This report from the Committee on the Health Risks of Phthalates is in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency's request that the National Research Council evaluate the health risks of phthalates, used in products from cosmetics to toys, and determine whether a cumulative risk assessment is appropriate, and what an approach to the assessment should be. The committee reviews risk-assessment practices for phthalate ester exposure in humans, and their strengths and weaknesses; the toxicity and health effects of exposure to the chemicals, especially in the male reproductive system; and recommendations for conducting an assessment, including data gaps and research needs. The book does not have an index. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)