Why You Should Avoid Phthalates

Phthalates are nasty!

According to the Environmental Working Group:

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 and shampoo.

I have come across dozens of articles over the past few weeks that discuss the dangerous effects that phthalates can have on a growing child. Instead of writing a new blog post about each and every article I come across, here are several articles that will help you understand why you should avoid phthalates.

• Newborn girls, boys behavior differs after prenatal phthalate exposure
• Household toxins: Toying with our safety
• Phthalates may soften, weaken bones
• NICU Infants at Risk from Plastics
• Why baby boys are turning into girls
• Gender-bending chemical timebomb fear for boys’ fertility

Now on the other side of the coin are the CPSC and the American Chemistry Council touting the safety of phthalate containing products.

• CPSC Says Phthalate Ban Not Necessary
• American Chemistry Council Responds to Phthalate Warnings

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather avoid them altogether and not have to worry about whether these studies are accurate or if a trade organization can debunk them.

Photo by msbhaven

Tagged as: phthalates, science wednesday