A two-page summary of the information on phthalates contained in the 2020 UNEP Assessment Report on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment and the 2019 Global Chemicals Outlook II. Phthalates are a large family of semi-volatile organic compounds. They are a group of plasticizers with softening and elastic effects, and they are produced in high volumes to be used in products such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothing and personal care products. Phthalates accounted for 65 per cent of global consumption of plasticizers in 2017.