How do you say phthalates in America?
What does phthalate mean?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They are often called plasticizers. Some phthalates are used to help dissolve other materials. Phthalates are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays).
Is the PH silent in phthalate?
Phthalates are esters (class of compounds produced when an acid reacts with an alcohol) of phthalic acid. The name is not so difficult to spell and pronounce if you simply consider the “ph” to be silent. That they are odorless is significant, since many sources incorrectly attribute new car smell to phthalates.
Is Phthalate a word?
Meaning of phthalate in English. a chemical compound used in making plastics, which is believed to be dangerous to health: The most commonly used phthalate found in toys is diisononyl phthalate (DINP).
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.