Phthalates (Phthalate esters) are esters of Phthalic acid and have been widely used as plasticisers to improve the flexibility, durability, transparency, and longevity of plastics. They are also found in many consumer products including adhesives, cosmetics, detergents, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and toys. Increasing regulation and restriction on the use of phthalates in products is leading to a decrease in their industrial use but due to the ubiquity of plasticised products and the easy release of phthalates into the environment the majority of people are exposed to some level of phthalates although the health effects of exposure are not yet fully known.