What are phthalates?
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid mainly used as plasticizers. They are added to plastics to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. Phthalates are an endocrine disrupting chemical.
How do they affect our health?
Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, diabetes, cancer, impaired motor skills, and more. Most recently, phthalates have been linked to damaging children’s brains.
How are we exposed to phthalates?
Phthalates are known as an “everywhere chemical.” They are extremely widespread. Phthalates are in many personal care products. They can be found in vinyl, toys, fragrance, lotions, and many other products. Ways to be exposed to phthalates include inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, and intravenous injection.
What can I do?
Limit plastic use as much as possible
When using plastics look for products labeled “phthalate free” and plastic recycling codes 1, 2, or 5.
Avoid plastic code 3 or letters “V” and “PVC” as they often contain phthalates
A resource for looking up your product’s ingredients
more information on how to avoid phthalates
Can I get rid of phthalates from my body?
Yes, you can. Phthalates have a short half life and can be detoxified from the body if all the natural excretion pathways are working. Supporting your body’s detox pathways as discussed in this article is an important part of taking care of our health.
What can WE do?
The bottom line is total elimination of phthalates. However, this is a steep step. Some other steps that could be taken include the FDA establishing more restrictions on phthalates and requiring the listing of individual fragrance ingredients. In addition, applying the Fair Packaging and Label Act to products exclusively used by professions is important to reduce unknowing phthalate exposure.
Talk to your local shop owners and tell them your concerns. It only takes a few minutes to let your local store know that phthalates and plastics are an important issue. The more all of us speak up, the more likely we are to create change.
If we collectively push for this by individually limiting our plastic use, we are getting one step closer.
Additional Reading
Phthalates and Children's Products
Phthalates and Children's Brain Study