Phthalates and safety
 Certain groups have in recent years
alleged that the migration of phthalates from flooring may pose a
threat to the environment or human health.
These allegations are not based on objective scientific facts.
Whilst phthalates can migrate out of PVC flooring (for example,
during and after cleaning), the amount which is lost to the
environment is negligible.
Phthalates biodegrade rapidly in almost all conditions, except
for oxygen-less (anaerobic) sediments in water. However, recent
studies have shown no adverse effect on the organisms which live in
these sediments.
Concerns have also been expressed that phthalates in PVC floors
may provoke asthma in children. This is not supported by the weight
of scientific evidence and also runs counter to experience over
many decades of PVC use in homes, hospitals, offices and public
institutions. Indeed, PVC is frequently used in environments where
there is a need to specifically reduce dust which can aggravate
asthma.
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