Phthalates: European regulation, chemistry, pharmacokinetic and related toxicity

•Phthalates European regulation.•Phthalates pharmacokinetic.•Phthalates and reproductive system.•Phthalates and autism.•Phthalates and cancer.

Phthalates are chemicals widely used in industry and the consequences for human health caused by exposure to these agents are of significant current interest. Phthalate toxicity targets the reproductive and respiratory systems primarily, but they also may be involved in the processes of carcinogenesis and even in autism spectrum disorders. This article discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in organ toxicity of phthalates; furthermore, pharmacokinetic, chemistry and the European regulation are summarized.