Phthalates? No phthanks!
What are they?
Phthalates are chemical plasticizers that have been widelyused since the 1950's to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle andcrack when bent. In personal care products, they are used to help lubricate, tohelp lotions penetrate, and to help fragrances last longer.
Why are they dangerous?
Phthalates are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and they are present nearly everywhere that soft plastic is found. Recent studies have implicated phthalates in birth abnormalities and reduced sperm counts. The possible link between phthalates and asthma is now being studied, as wellas their influence on the timing of puberty and the risk of childhood obesity.
Where are phthalates found?
In personal care items, toys, electronics and householdproducts, such as plastic wrap, plastic water bottles and plastic containers. In personal care products, they may not be listed on the label, since they are frequently included in "fragrance" added. Fragrance ingredients are not required by law to be listed.
The most common phthalates:
- DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
- DEP (diethyl phthalate)
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
How are plasticizers absorbed by our bodies?
Three ways:
- Ingestion
- Absorption
- Inhalation
Ingestion:
- Plastic teethers, squeeze toys or bath books, if made of soft plastic, may contain phthalates. When babies put them in their mouths, they are vulnerable to ingesting the phthalates.
- Polymer clay, made to be formed, then baked, is made with PVC. When children model it and then put their fingers in their mouths, they are at risk for ingestion of chemicals.
Absorption:
- Phthalates are found in many cosmetic and scented products, such as deodorants, nail polish, hair spray, perfumes, and some lotions and creams. The chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
- We all know we must read the ingredients list on labels (right?) Still phthalates are often buried in the word 'fragrance', which is exempt from the rule that requires listing all ingredients. Buyer beware.
Inhalation:
- Dust or fumes from any products containing vinyl, such as vinyl flooring, seating in cars, some diaper-changing mats. These fumes are known as off-gassing.
What can we do?
- Read the fine print. Choose products that are phthalate-free.
- Choose detergents, cleansers and personal care products that are 'fragrance free'.
- Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website to find safer products.
- Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic for water or baby bottles and storage containers. Take care when using glass.
- Don't microwave food in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic. (In fact, try not to use the microwave)
- Avoid canned foods, as plastic linings can leach phthalates into the food.
- Avoid vinyl products, especially baby items, like teethers, pacifiers or toys.
- Instead of polymer clay, use homemade playdoughs and modeling clays
- When painting, look for natural house paints, or if not available, make sure the room is well-ventilated.
- Keep dust minimal, to avoid airborne chemicals
- Wherever possible, choose natural products and packaging.
For more info, visit
Environmental Working Group
baby center
you put that on your face?!
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
