What happens to diethyl phthalate when it enters the environment?
• Diethyl phthalate has been found in waste sites and landfills from discarded plastics. • It may break down in the air. • It can become attached to particles of dust in the air, and can settle out. • It is broken down to harmless products by microorganisms in soil and water. • Small amounts of it can build up in fish and shellfish living in water containing it.