Phthlates - What Are They and Where Are They Found
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008Phthalates - What are they and how are they used?
Phthalates (pronounced “thah-lates”) are chemical plasticizers that have been widely used since the 1950s to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle and crack when bent. Because phthalates are not chemically bound to the products they appear in, they leach into the atmosphere and into liquids. What then happens is we ingest, inhale and absorb phthalates when exposed to them. This is especially true for products that contain phthalates and are applied directly to skin.
A new University of Washington study that appeared in last February’s Journal of Pediatrics concludes that phthalate exposure in infants is “widespread and variable.” Phthalates have been proven multiple times to disrupt the endocrine and reproductive systems. Many lotions, shampoos and soaps contain phthalates.
Our babies are most vulnerable because they have not developed the maturity and capacity to metabolize these exposures. Young children also put many things (everything!) in their mouths and they play on floors made of synthetic materials.
Sheela Sathyanarayana, an acting assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and lead author of a study that looked at phthalate exposure via baby care products. The younger the baby the greater the concentrations, but a staggering 81% of babies that were exposed to infant care products containing phthalates tested positive for increased urinary concentrations of phthalates. Multiple exposures resulted in the highest concentrations.
Phthalates are found in an amazing array of products. In personal care items, they’re used to help lubricate other substances, help lotions penetrate and soften the skin, and help fragrances last longer. They’re also used in toys, electronics (such as personal computers), car-care products, insecticides, and many household products, including adhesives, plastic wrap, plastic containers, flooring, furniture, wallpaper, shower curtains, and other things made of vinyl or PVC.
Check your labels - here’s a list of the most common phthalates, labels:
• 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.