Phthalates, called “plasticizers,” are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient and also as solvents. Phthalates are nearly ubiquitous in modern society, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray, cosmetics, personal care products, shampoo and baby care products.Phthalate exposure is widespread in infants and use of baby care products appears to be contributing, according to an analysis of babies' urine. Greater use of lotions, powders and shampoos were associated with higher phthalate levels. The associations were strongest in younger infants.
The scientists who conducted the study recommend that parents wanting to decrease phthalate exposures for their infants should reduce the use of baby products unless needed for medical purposes. The US does not require product labels to indicate phthalate content.
Phthalates are used widely in personal care products, but manufacturers are not required to reveal product composition. Studies of adults have found that higher use of personal care products is tied to higher phthalate levels measured in urine.
Phthalates Now Linked to Fat, Related Health Risks – Exposure to phthalates, a common chemical found in everything from plastics to soaps, already has been connected to reproductive problems and now, for the first time, is linked to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult males, according to a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center.
‘Gender-bending’ chemicals found to ‘feminise’ boys – “Gender-bending” chemicals mimicking the female hormone oestrogen can disrupt the development of baby boys, suggests the first evidence linking certain chemicals in everyday plastics to effects in humans. The chemicals implicated are phthalates, which make plastics more pliable in many cosmetics, toys, baby-feeding bottles and paints and can leak into water and food.
List of common Phthalates:
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Diallyl phthalate (DAP), Di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), Butyl cyclohexyl phthalate (BCP), Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DNPP), Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP), Diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP), Diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHpP), Butyl decyl phthalate (BDP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, DOP), Di(n-octyl) phthalate (DNOP), Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate (ODP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Diundecyl phthalate (DUP), Diisoundecyl phthalate (DIUP), Ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP), Diisotridecyl phthalate (DIUP).
