Toxicity of Cellulose Acetate Sheets to Plants and Fish

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Abstract
Sheets of cellulose acetate which contain diethyl phthalate as a plasticizer are toxic to both plants and fish. Leaflets of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) brought into contact with diethyl phthalate developed characteristic lesions and died within 3-5 days. The toxic effect on aster (Callistephus chinensis) was less noticeable, whereas tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) proved to be more sensitive. In addition, small pieces of cellulose acetate placed in water with goldfish killed them in a few hrs., despite the low solubility of diethyl phthalate in water.