Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
Why phthalates are banned?
They are not chemically bound to plastics, so they can be released from consumer products into the environment and may result in human exposure. There is public concern about phthalates because of their widespread use, including in products for children, and their potential effects on human health.
What products have phthalates in them?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and personal care products, such as nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes and other
How much phthalates are dangerous?
The critical toxic effects of DEHP that appear at the lowest exposure level relate to reproduction. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for reproductive and developmental effects is 4.8 mg/kg body weight per day body weight per day, and the tolerable daily intake (TDI) is 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day.
What are phthalates and why are they bad?
In 2017, the European Union officially designated four phthalates as human endocrine disrupting chemicals. Abnormalities in the male reproductive system. Pregnant women with higher levels of phthalates in their bodies may give birth to boys who have a condition linked to poor sperm quality and reduced fertility.
Why should you avoid phthalates?
Exposure to phthalates through inhalation may trigger asthma, allergy or other autoimmune disorders. [10],[11] Several studies indicate that phthalates such as DEHP, DiNP can be potentially carcinogenic, that is, they can cause cancer in humans.
What items have phthalates?
- Cosmetics and personal care products such as perfume, nail polish, hair spray, soap, shampoo, and skin moisturizers.
- Medical tubing and fluid bags.
- Wood finishes.
- Detergents.
- Adhesives.
- Plastic plumbing pipes.
- Lubricants.
- Solvents.
How do you identify phthalates in products?
There is no easy way to tell if a product has added phthalates. Phthalates can be identified on labels by a three or four letter acronym that defines their chemical structures. Labels rarely state “contains phthalates”.
What beauty products have phthalates?
As far as beauty products go, you will typically find phthalates in hair spray, nail polish, shampoo, soaps and lotions.
What foods have the most phthalates?
Cheeseburgers, chicken burritos and other meat products had the highest phthalate/plasticizer content, with much higher DEHT levels detected in burritos than in burgers. On the upside, cheese pizzas were among the least contaminated foods, while French fries were found to be DEHT-free.
What foods have no phthalates?
Choose foods that are naturally low in phthalates. Dairy products like low-fat milk and yogurt have low levels of phthalates as do eggs. Avoid high fat foods such as creams, whole milk, and fatty meats as much as possible. Among the grain group, pasta, rice and noodles consistently ranked lower in phthalates.
Which plastics have phthalates?
Phthalates are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays). Some phthalates are in polyvinyl chloride plastics, which are used to make products such as plastic packaging, garden hoses, and medical tubing.
How can you tell if plastic has phthalates?
One easy way to recognize plastic toys, clothing, bottles, food and beverage storage containers, and/or food wrap that may contain phthalate compounds is to look for the number 3 inside the universal recycling symbol usually molded into the plastic on the bottom of the product.