Phthalates
What are Phthalates?
A family of chemicals used to add flexibility and resilience in a variety of common products.
Where are they found?
Phthalates are often called the “EVERYWHERE” toxin.
- vinyl flooring, vinyl shower curtains, and children’s toys
- personal care products, such as perfumes, nail polish, cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, detergents, and lotions
- medical devices, such as IV bags and tubing that are made with PVC
- automobile interiors, lubricants, and paint
- our air, water, and soil due to industrial pollution and leaching from consumer products
- pesticides
- food packaging
Why are they are harmful?
Scientific studies on humans have found these chemicals are associated with:
- abdominal obesity
- insulin resistance
- reproductive dysfunction, such as abnormal teste
- asthma
- liver and kidney damage
How can we avoid them?
It is hard to avoid phthalates, because the FDA doesn’t require their listing on product ingredients.
To reduce your exposure:
- refer to the suggestions below
- purchase from companies that advertise “NO phthalates”
- follow Pollution in People’s Reading Labels to Avoid Phthalates
| Lose | Use |
|---|---|
| vinyl building materials | wood, metal or stone |
| PVC Packaging | products packaged in paper |
| vinyl shower curtains | cotton or hemp |
| PVC Toys | wood |
| vinyl plastic wrap | aluminum foil, waxed paper bags, biodegradable plastic |
| plastic food storage | glass or ceramic containers |
any product with one of these ingredients
|
choose products with a short list of recognizable ingredients |
