Rapid industrial development causes all living beings to be exposed to new synthetic chemicals every year. Some of these synthetic chemicals have been banned or restricted after the demonstration of their untoward health effects especially during pregnancy, infancy and adolescence. One of these substances is phthalate, a plasticizer, used mostly in plastics and cosmetics. In this review, we discuss the metabolism and health effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl)- phthalate on several body systems, with emphasis on the fetus, urogenital system and the period of adolescent development. In addition, the results of our study pointing to a possible cause-effect of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate on the etiology of pubertal gynecomastia are given. Finally, recommendations to decrease di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate exposure are listed.

Keywords: fitalat, çocuk, sağlık, çevre, endokrin bozucu.