Phthalates.
Phthalates are a class of man-made compounds that are commonly used in various plastics like food and beverage containers, home products, toys, personal care products and even medical equipment like IV bags and tubing. They have various uses depending on the type of product.
Phthalates are used in toys, plastic food and beverage containers, and medical equipment because they are cheap to manufacture and allow plastics to be more flexible. Because they do not bind to the products they are added to, exposure can occur by a child putting a toy in their mouth made with phthalates, microwaving plastic containers, through the use of IV bags, the list goes on... The primary use of phthalates in home and personal care products is to carry fragrance and make it last longer. Unless a product is specifically labeled as “phthalate-free”, it is commonly included as part of “Fragrance” on the label even though, at times, it can make up 20% or more of the product’s ingredients [1]. Besides the fact that they can prolong your exposure to the other harmful chemicals in fragrance, phthalates themselves are known hormone disruptors and are linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Phthalate exposure is believed to be the number one cause of reproductive issues in humans [2]. In numerous animal studies, birth defects, lowered sperm count in males, developmental issues, and other reproductive system damage from phthalate exposure were reported. Aside from reproductive toxicity, there is strong evidence that exposure can cause asthma and allergies, issues with brain development in children and ADHD [1]. It has also been confirmed that phthalates can cross the placenta thus having the potential to cause harm to unborn babies.
The takeaway is that phthalates are everywhere (also why they are commonly referred to as the “everywhere chemicals”) and we should do everything we can to reduce our exposure and risk of developing these side effects. An easy way to eliminate them from your home and personal care products is by purchasing products that are “fragrance free”. Swapping plastic tupperware for glass and limiting cheap plastic toys can also help reduce the amount of exposure you and your family have to these nasty chemicals.
Helpful Hint:
On plastic, products containing phthalates will be labeled with the number 3 in the triangle with the letters ‘PVC’ or ‘V’ below it for recycling purposes. Check plastic products in your home for this symbol.