There are six different types of phthalates found in plastics; DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DnOP.
These chemicals are used to make plastics flexible and soft.
Studies have found that phthalate exposure affects male fetuses in utero, causing reproductive problems.
In women, phthalates are associated with increase risk of endometriosis.
Phthalates are also an air quality factor for asthma and allergies.
Avoiding phthalates is difficult because the chemicals are so pervasive, but there are some ways to minimize exposure.
1.
Check product labels for the phrase 'phthalate free'.
2.
Discard plastic toys manufactured in 1999 or earlier.
After 1999 most toy manufacturers stopped using phthalates in their toys.
It's also a good practice to purchase toys made of natural materials such as wood and cloth whenever possible as a) this is a more sustainable, earth friendly practice that keeps plastic out of landfills and b) is the only way to be sure toys don't contain phthalates.
3.
Use fragrance free detergents, household cleaners, shampoos etc...
whenever possible as phthalates are often used in perfume agents.
Scent products such as household detergents with organic essential oils instead.
4.
Buy foods packaged in glass instead of plastic or cans.
Canned food and plastic water bottles are heavily contaminated with phthalates as well as other chemicals.
This is almost impossible to do consistently, but if there are alternatives packaged in glass, buy them.
5.
Eliminate Tupperware and other plastic food storage containers.
Microwaving food in plastic allows chemicals to leach into food.
Replace plastic containers with glass food storage containers.
There are glass containers on the market that can be used in the freezer, oven and microwave.
Because phthalates are so prevalent throughout the food chain and in the day-to-day products used in every household, elimination is difficult, if not impossible.
However, reducing exposure is a step in the right direction and will have positive effects on family health.
These chemicals are used to make plastics flexible and soft.
Studies have found that phthalate exposure affects male fetuses in utero, causing reproductive problems.
In women, phthalates are associated with increase risk of endometriosis.
Phthalates are also an air quality factor for asthma and allergies.
Avoiding phthalates is difficult because the chemicals are so pervasive, but there are some ways to minimize exposure.
1.
Check product labels for the phrase 'phthalate free'.
2.
Discard plastic toys manufactured in 1999 or earlier.
After 1999 most toy manufacturers stopped using phthalates in their toys.
It's also a good practice to purchase toys made of natural materials such as wood and cloth whenever possible as a) this is a more sustainable, earth friendly practice that keeps plastic out of landfills and b) is the only way to be sure toys don't contain phthalates.
3.
Use fragrance free detergents, household cleaners, shampoos etc...
whenever possible as phthalates are often used in perfume agents.
Scent products such as household detergents with organic essential oils instead.
4.
Buy foods packaged in glass instead of plastic or cans.
Canned food and plastic water bottles are heavily contaminated with phthalates as well as other chemicals.
This is almost impossible to do consistently, but if there are alternatives packaged in glass, buy them.
5.
Eliminate Tupperware and other plastic food storage containers.
Microwaving food in plastic allows chemicals to leach into food.
Replace plastic containers with glass food storage containers.
There are glass containers on the market that can be used in the freezer, oven and microwave.
Because phthalates are so prevalent throughout the food chain and in the day-to-day products used in every household, elimination is difficult, if not impossible.
However, reducing exposure is a step in the right direction and will have positive effects on family health.
SHARE
