Phthalic acid (CED0003906)

Phthalic acid (C8H6O4) is an organic compound with an average molecular weight of 166.13 g/mol. Phthalic acid belongs to the benzoic acids and derivatives, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. Biologically, it acts as a toxin (PMC5304209), an antioxidant (PMC6271226), and an inhibitor (PMC13388266, PMC6511314). In industrial contexts, it is used as a flavouring and nutrient (PMC5304209). The compound targets ten proteins, including the progesterone receptor (PGR), estrogen receptor (ESR1), estrogen receptor beta (ESR2), and nicotinate-nucleotide pyrophosphorylase [carboxylating] (nadC). The substance is present in polyvinyl chloride and is released in polypropylene. It is found in or released from 44 recorded sources across several sectors. These include electrical and electronic equipment such as antennas, amplifiers, coils, auxiliary devices, and communication cables or conductors; building and construction materials including roofs, ceilings, stairs and ramps, and sunshades awnings or outside screens; and food, food processing and cookware, specifically food contact materials, food preservation, the processing of meats, the preparation of vinegar, and fermentation processes for beer. Additionally, it is found in drinking water, indoor air, and household cleaning and consumer products such as soap detergents, bleaching agents, perfumes within detergents and soaps, cigar cigarettes, and tobacco smoke filters. Recorded exposure routes include oral, inhalation, and touch. Regarding health effects, phthalic acid is associated with an increase in weight gain (PMC6417117) and obesity (PMC8632231), and it is elevated in the feces of individuals with lung cancer (PMC11734503).