In most of the children’s toys, a toxic chemical remains present. In this respect, which among the following statements is/are correct? 1. The name of the toxic element is phthalates which are esters of phthalic acid. 2. They are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility and longevity. 3. They are easily released into environment because there is no covalent bond between the phthalates and plastics in which they are mixed. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Phthalates are a group of toxic chemicals frequently found in children's toys, particularly those made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are chemically defined as esters of phthalic acid [4]. These substances function as plasticizers, which are additives used to enhance the flexibility, durability, and longevity of plastic materials [2]. A critical characteristic of phthalates is that they are not chemically bound to the plastic polymer matrix through covalent bonds; instead, they are present as mobile components [1]. Because they lack these strong chemical bonds, phthalates are easily released into the environment or human body through leaching, volatilization, or mechanical pressure, such as when a child chews on a toy. This migration poses health risks, including endocrine disruption and reproductive issues, leading to strict regulations on their use in toys globally.

Sources

1. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230019303381
2. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8309855/
3. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9837533/