What are Phthalates?
When considering cleaning products or personal care products, one ingredient that you’ll want to consider steering clear of are phthalates (pronounced with the “p” as silent…thay-lates).
Phthalates, also known as phthalate esters, are a group of chemicals commonly used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. They are colorless, odorless liquids that are added to plastics during manufacturing processes. Phthalates are also used in a variety of other products, including personal care products, such as fragrances, cosmetics, and lotions, as well as in adhesives, solvents, and certain medical devices.
The concern with phthalates arises from their potential health effects. Some studies have suggested that exposure to certain phthalates may be associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly reproductive and developmental effects. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and other related health issues.
One of the dangerous aspects about hormone disruption is the long term, slow impact that can occur. It’s not always clear as to where hormone disruption comes from, when the symptoms show up years later after exposure.
CDC researchers found measurable levels of many phthalate metabolites in the general population. This finding indicates that phthalate exposure is widespread in the U.S. population.
Due to these concerns, there has been increasing scrutiny and regulation of phthalates in various countries, particularly in products intended for children and in certain consumer goods. Some phthalates have been banned or restricted in certain applications, and there is ongoing research into safer alternatives and ways to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
How do phthalates enter the body?
Ingestion: the phthalates in the plastic enter the body through ingestion. This might happen when a child chews on a toy such as a plastic teether, a book, or any other plastic item. Both adults and children also ingest phthalates via the packaged foods we eat. This can happen from plastic bottles breaking down and entering into liquids.
Absorption: the skin is the largest organ in the body and is susceptible to absorbing all sort of chemicals. Phthalates are in lotions, cleaning products, fragrances, nail polish, hair spray, and more.
Inhalation: smoke, dust, and other off-gassing chemical reactions from phthalates can come from vinyl surfaces.
What are the exact names of phthalates that I should look for on the list of ingredients?
If you haven’t been aware of this, thus far, try picking up a few of your household or beauty items such as hairspray, lotions, or cleaning products and read the ingredient list.
• DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
• DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)
• DiNP (diisononyl phthalate)
• DEP (diethyl phthalate)
• BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate)
• DEHP (di 2-ethylhexl phthalate)
• DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate)
• DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)
• DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
• DnOP (di-n-octylphthalate)
• Bisphenol A (BPA) is another plasticizer
What else can I do to avoid phthalates?
Although manufacturers are not required to list whether there’s phthalates in them, you can choose products that specifically state that they’re phthalate free. Opt for products that are BPA and PVC free.
Alternatives to BPA and PVC are glass packaging, stainless steel, bioplastics made from corn (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate plastic (PET), or high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE).
If there’s the word ‘fragrance’ on the list ingredients, there’s a chance that there’s an ingredient that could be one or more phthalates in it. Fragrance is an umbrella term that qualifies for 3,000+ ingredients, some of which can be harmful to your health.
Due to the high temperatures causing chemicals to leach out of plastics, avoid microwaving food in plastic or running it through the dishwasher.
Is there a resource to research safe ingredients?
For more information, you can learn about ingredients and toxic chemicals https://www.safecosmetics.org/
