I found this, from an article written by a chemist:
"Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions related to plasticizers – for example, about phthalates “leaching out” and “easily dispersing/gassing out” from PVC products. This is actually unlikely to happen unless very abrasive detergents or solvents are used or if the items are exposed to extreme conditions for an exceptionally long time. Plasticizers do not readily migrate or leach into the environment from items because they are physically bound within the PVC matrix. If they could readily migrate, flexible PVC would not remain flexible and perform as intended."
Feel better now? (Phthalates are one kind of commonly used plasticizer.) The key words are "physically bound within the PVC matrix".
"Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions related to plasticizers – for example, about phthalates “leaching out” and “easily dispersing/gassing out” from PVC products. This is actually unlikely to happen unless very abrasive detergents or solvents are used or if the items are exposed to extreme conditions for an exceptionally long time. Plasticizers do not readily migrate or leach into the environment from items because they are physically bound within the PVC matrix. If they could readily migrate, flexible PVC would not remain flexible and perform as intended."
Feel better now? (Phthalates are one kind of commonly used plasticizer.) The key words are "physically bound within the PVC matrix".