HealthAugust 28, 2026

ethylhexylphthalate

eth-il-HEK-sil-THAL-ayt

Definition

A specific type of phthalate, a chemical substance used as a plasticizer to increase flexibility in various consumer products, which has been linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Etymology

The name is a technical compound derived from chemistry terminology: 'ethyl' (referring to the C2H5 radical), 'hexyl' (referring to the six-carbon chain), and 'phthalate' (a salt or ester of phthalic acid). It is a systematic chemical name constructed to describe the precise molecular structure of the plasticizing compound.

In the news

The article mentions this chemical as one of the specific phthalates found in consumer products that studies suggest may be associated with premature births and newborn deaths.

There could be toxins in your baby’s diaper — and it’s not poop

Read the full article ↗

WKOW

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