Environmental Pollutants
Phthalates
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PHTHALATES IN FILM PRODUCT MANUFACTURING
Phthalates are linked to testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) in male children
The personal injury law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg will provide a free legal consultation for parents who suspect their child’s testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) is related to parental job-related exposure to phthalates in the film product manufacturing industry.
Phthalates in film manufacturing
Phthalates are used in a large variety of plastic products to increase their flexibility, transparency and durability, but they are being phased out of many products in the United States and European Union over serious health concerns involving birth defects.
Phthalates are used as a plasticizer for cellulose ester plastic films and sheets (photographic, blister packaging, and tape applications).
Workers exposed to phthalates in film manufacturing facilities have been known to give birth to male children with testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), which includes such symptoms as poor spermatogenesis (sperm production), hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer.
Occupational exposure
Occupational exposure can occur in industrial facilities where phthalates are used.
The industries where phthalates exposure is highest are the PVC manufacturing industry, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film manufacturing, rubber product industry (rubber gasket, hose and boot manufacturing), and plastics industry.
As of 2004, manufacturers produced about 800 million pounds of phthalates each year. They contribute 10% to 60% of plastic products by weight.
Children at greatest risk
Children's exposure to phthalates generally is greater than adults. Infants and toddlers are at the greatest risk of exposure due to their mouthing behavior. Children can be exposed to the chemicals through direct contact (chewing on a toy containing phthalates) or secondary exposure (such as when a breast-feeding mother has been exposed to the chemicals).
Effective February 10, 2009, certain children’s toys and child care articles can no longer be sold, manufactured or imported for sale in the United States if they contain more than 0.1% of specified phthalates.
Law firm for testicular dysgenesis syndrome
If your health or your child’s health has been affected by phthalates, please complete the form below for a free evaluation of your right to file suit and obtain compensation for medical bills and damages.
A lawyer from the Environmental and Toxic Torts unit of our firm will review your claim as soon as possible.
Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. is New York’s largest personal injury law firm. We represent medical malpractice victims and their family members in many states, including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
see also:
Film Manufacturing
Law firm for film manufacturing industry worker exposed to phthalatesFree review for worker manufacturing film product utilizing phthalates
Rubber Products
Law firm for rubber gasket industry worker with phthalates TDS injuryFree review for rubber gasket injury related to phthalates exposure
Occupational Exposure
Law firm for rubber hose industry worker with phthalates TDS injuryFree review for rubber hose injury related to phthalates job exposure
