From T. S. Raman
New Delhi, India
Debora MacKenzie’s report says that phthalates added as plasticiser to PVC
may cause testicular cancer
(This Week, 24 January, p 13).
Phthalate derivatives (such as dimethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate and
N-butyl phthalimide) are common constituents of mosquito repellents sold in
India. Repellent is applied to the skin in very high concentrations or even
undiluted. Is there any information on the possible cancer risks of these
substances?
