What are the negative impacts of esters on the environment?

Answer 1

By some counts, there are perhaps a thousand kinds of esters, and not all of them are negative-- in fact, many are either positive or at least neutral: perhaps you have worn clothing made of polyester, or used the flavoring agent banana oil, which is a liquid ester. In chemistry, an ester refers to "an organic compound formed when an acid and an alcohol combine and release water." Some of these organic compounds are formed from simple hydrocarbon groups can result in the pleasant fragrances of fruits and flowers, for example; while other esters formed from carboxylic acid result in products like vegetable fats, or waxes. But some esters have been shown to be harmful.

One of the esters that may be damaging to our environment is phthalate, which is found in various kinds of solvents, detergents, and plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Scientists have been exploring whether PVC and other resins, which are commonly found in building materials, might pollute the air people breathe in homes and offices, and there is some evidence it does. there are also questions about how phthalates degrade over time, and whether they affect the air, water and soil in our environment. Another ongoing study has involved examining the effect of phthalates and PVC in baby bottles, and whether these compounds have a level of toxicity that might be harmful to infants. It should also be noted that some studies are showing that phthalates are capable of aggravating Asthma, as well as contributing to upper respiratory Allergies; but other studies do not show those results. I enclose a link to what the Center for Disease Control says about these esters and their potential effect.