"The Environmental Protection Agency will issue regulations to protect workers from phthalates, chemicals found in plastics that are linked to health problems."

"The Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to regulate five types of phthalates, chemicals that are widely used in plastics and other common products.

Trump administration officials say the decision is a win for public health and will lead to protections for factory workers and the environment. Experts and environmentalists respond that the EPA is ignoring scientific evidence that phthalates are harming people’s health and should take additional steps to limit exposure for the general public.

Here’s what you should know about these “everywhere chemicals” and the implications of the EPA’s decision for your health."

Jake Spring reports for the Washington Post January 8, 2026. [2]