Ftalati potenzialmente tossici in vestiti e giocattoli: cosa sono e cosa possiamo fare per tutelare la salute pubblica

Summary. Phthalates are compounds widely used in ev-eryday consumer products. They represent a ubiquitous source of exposure due to their ability to migrate from materials, leading to widespread environmental contamination and human exposure. Substantial evidence has demonstrated adverse effects on the endocrine, repro-ductive, and developmental systems, with particular vul-nerability during fetal life and early childhood. Prenatal exposure has been associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes as well as metabolic and neuroendocrine alter-ations. Although regulatory policies of the European Union have reduced exposure levels, critical issues persist due to the continued presence of phthalates in long-lasting consumer articles. Therefore, strengthened regulatory integra-tion, biomonitoring, and prevention strategies are required to ensure enhanced protection of public health.