High molecular weight phthalates are a class of compounds which are primarily used to soften or “plasticize” polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl to create flexible vinyl products. High phthalates are in wide use today because of their strong performance, cost and durability.

Flexible vinyl products are used in hundreds of applications in our homes, cars and businesses. Flexible vinyl is used in automobiles to make them lighter and more fuel efficient and in a variety of household products, such as garden hoses and beach balls. Other key uses include: flooring, wall coverings, roofing and wiring.

Phthalates, including high molecular weight phthalates, are some of the most tested substances in commerce today and have been reviewed by a variety of regulatory scientific bodies, including: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the European Union Chemicals Bureau and the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme in the Australian Department of Health and Ageing (NICNAS). A timeline of reviews of high molecular phthalates can be found here.

The American Chemistry Council is proud that the products of chemistry are among the most thoroughly evaluated and regulated in commerce and continues to support ongoing research into the health and safety of phthalates.

The High Phthalates Panel (HPP) of the American Chemistry Council was formed in 2011 with a mission dedicated to communicating and promoting the benefits of high molecular weight phthalates.