Phthalates are a group of chemicals that mimic the body’s hormones, and may pose long-term risks to the development of the reproductive and endocrine systems that regulate metabolism and hormone functions. Phthalates have been linked to increased instances of early puberty, infertility, and endometriosis.
New safety legislation bans chemical found in soft plastics
November 03, 2008
Beginning on February 10, 2009, the CPSIA permanently bans the use of three phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles: DEHP, DBP, and BBP. Three more phthalates, DINP, DIDP, and DnOP, will also be banned, albeit temporarily, from children’s toys that can be placed in a child’s mouth and from child care articles. “Child care articles” are those products designed or intended to facilitate the sleep or feeding of children age three or younger, or to help such children with sucking or teething.
Phthalates are in everything and are very hard to avoid they are found in adhesives, aftershave lotions, colognes, deodorants, detergents, toys, food packaging, hair gels, hair spray, hoses, lubricants, nail polish, perfumes, raincoats, shampoos, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, and wall coverings. Some tips on how to avoid them and reduce exposure:
How to Avoid Phthalates
2.4.2008 3:14 PM
3 Steps to Help Avoid a Hormone-Mimicking Chemical
- Read the ingredients. According to the organization Pollution in People, you can identify phthalates in some products by their chemical names, or abbreviations:
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care products.)
- DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.
- BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).
- Be wary of the term “fragrance,” which is used to denote a combination of compounds, possibly including phthatates, which are a subject of recent concern because of studies showing they can mimic certain hormones.
- Choose plastics with the recycling code 1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely to contain bisphenol A or phthalates.