Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals that are widely used in daily products and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, mainly because of their ability to enhance flexibility and durability. The presence of phthalates in various products contributes to the substantial exposure that all consumers may experience. Continuity in phthalate exposure has several side effects, including endocrine disruption, neurological damage, asthma, hormonal imbalances, obesity, infertility, genital defects, and testicular cancer. The purpose of this research experiment was to determine the Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) concentration of PVC plastic parts of toothbrushes. The method used to conduct the experiment was Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The result showed that the phthalate concentration of a Reach adult’s toothbrush and a Equate kid’s toothbrush were 1.97 ppm and 0.56 ppm respectively. Therefore, this study found that considerable concentrations of phthalates were also present in toothbrushes, which, due to consumers’ daily exposure, would certainly have negative effects on users’ health in the long term.
Recommended Citation
Sadeghi, Ghazal; Ghaderian, Elham; and O'Connor, Anne.
"Determination of Dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) concentration in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic parts of toothbrushes."
The Downtown Review.
Vol. 1.
Iss.
2
(2015)
.
Available at:
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/tdr/vol1/iss2/2
