Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP) disrupts neuromast development in embryonic zebrafish.

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is found in common household and industrial products world-wide. Phthalates are not covalently bound to plastics and continuously leach into the soil, sediment and aquatic environments. The lateral line system of fish is a mechanosensory system composed of neuromasts essential for survival behaviors including rheotaxis, schooling and predator avoidance.

Di-butyl phthalate disrupts muscle, motor and sensory neuron development in embryonic zebrafish.

Phthalates are added to plastics to enhance its flexibility, durability and transparency. Phthalates are not covalently bound to plastics and leach into the environment. Phthalates are now pervasive and ubiquitously present in the atmosphere, soil and sediment, surface and wastewater.