Introduction
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di(2-ethylhexyl)
adipate (DEHA) and butyl benzyl phthalate
(BBP) are chemicals frequently added to plastic
formulations to impart flexibility or other charac-
teristics that determine product use. Such plasticizers
do not become part of the polymer matrix
and, under certain use or disposal conditions, can
migrate from the plastic to the external environment.
Although they are not components of the
plastic polymer, plasticizers such as DEHP may
comprise as much as 50% (by weight) of highly
flexible poly(vinyl chloride) products. DEHP is also
used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid.
Phthalate esters, not surprisingly, have become
ubiquitous environmental pollutants.