My husband is a machinist/toolmaker and has worked in the plastics industry for many years. He told me a long time ago that these pthalates constantly shed from all plastics, esp. when they're heated. That's why they came out and said not to microwave food in plastic dishes. I think there is reason to be concerned, esp. since they've been around, our cancer rates have skyrocketed.
carolyn
My ex-husband is a materials engineer, and he said the same thing back in the ‘80s when microwaves became popular. When heated, plastics outgas toxins that leach into the food. Makes sense to me.