User:TrevorDriggers/Phthalate

Lead
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid, and have many uses in today's world. One of the most common being that they are plasticizers, meaning that they are applied to plastics to assist in their flexibility and strength. These plasticizers are mostly utilized in making polyvinylchloride (PVC). PVC is a common utility when building a house. Many of the contents of PVC, including pthalates, can cause health problems towards humans and other living creatures. Some accumulation in humans can come from consumption of animals that are contaminated with the pthalates.

Reproductive effects
Since the endocrine system can be disrupted or damaged due to pthalates, some of the resulting issues can be cryptorchidism and hypospadias. Many of these issues in early life stages can lead to complications further in life as well that may result in surgery.

Bioaccumulation
Many humans also face the possibility of acquiring larger amounts of pthalates through bioaccumulation when consuming many different types of meats. This can be due to pollution into water ways and settling in the sediment, causing fish and other marine life to acquire these pollutants. Once these fish acquire more of the pthalate in their system, it begins to build up over time. Catching and cooking fish that have higher amounts results in higher bioaccumulation in humans.