| Abstract |
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences established the NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) in June, 1998. The purpose of the Center is to provide timely, unbiased, scientifically sound evaluations of human and experimental evidence for adverse effects on reproduction, including development, caused by agents to which humans may be exposed. The following seven phthalate esters were selected for the initial evaluation by the Center: butyl benzyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-isodecyl phthalate, di-isononyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-nhexyl phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate. Phthalate esters are used as plasticizers in a wide range of polyvinyl chloride-based consumer products. These chemicals were selected for the initial evaluation by the CERHR based on their high production volume, extent of human exposures, use in children's products, published evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity, and public concern. |
