Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds, specifically esters of phthalic acid, widely used in consumer products to enhance flexibility and softness.
Understanding Phthalates
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid. Their primary role in industrial applications is as plasticizers, substances added to materials to increase their flexibility, workability, and durability. Without plasticizers, polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) would be hard and brittle, unsuitable for many flexible applications.
Phthalates function by embedding themselves between polymer chains, increasing the space between them and reducing the forces holding them together. This allows polymer chains to slide past one another more easily, making the plastic softer and more pliable. The term “phthalates” encompasses a family of related compounds, including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP).
Common Sources of Phthalates
Phthalates are found in a wide array of consumer products and environmental settings due to their extensive use as plasticizers and solvents. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are a major source, with phthalates making up a significant portion of their composition. Examples of PVC products include vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and certain building materials like pipes and electrical wiring.
Personal care products also contain phthalates, often listed under “fragrance” or “parfum,” in items such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair spray, and nail polish. Food packaging is another common source, as phthalates can leach from materials like container linings and food processing equipment into food, especially fatty or oily foods. Medical devices, including intravenous bags, tubing, and feeding tubes, also contain phthalates, leading to direct patient exposure during medical procedures.
Health Implications of Phthalates
Phthalates interact with the human body primarily as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormone system. This disruption can occur by mimicking or blocking natural hormones, or by altering their production and the function of their receptors. Exposure to phthalates is widespread, with studies detecting their metabolites in the urine of most individuals.
Research indicates a range of potential health concerns associated with phthalate exposure. Reproductive issues are a significant area of focus, with studies linking phthalates to decreased fertility, alterations in reproductive hormones, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Developmental effects are also a concern, particularly in children and developing fetuses, where exposure has been associated with issues like altered anogenital distance in male infants and delayed neurodevelopment.
Beyond reproductive and developmental impacts, phthalates have been linked to other chronic conditions. These include potential connections to certain cancers, changes in thyroid function, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance. Infants and young children may be particularly vulnerable due to their developing systems and higher exposure per unit body surface area, for instance, through mouthing toys or ingesting dust.
Reducing Your Phthalate Exposure
Minimizing exposure to phthalates involves making informed choices about consumer products and food handling practices. Opting for products specifically labeled “phthalate-free” is a direct way to reduce exposure, especially for items like toys and personal care products. Checking ingredient lists and avoiding products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” can also help, as phthalates are often hidden within these terms.
When it comes to food, prioritizing fresh or frozen options over canned or highly processed foods can limit exposure, as phthalates can leach from packaging and during processing. Storing food in glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic is also advisable, particularly for fatty or acidic foods, and avoiding heating food in plastic containers can prevent increased leaching. Additionally, choosing natural fiber shower curtains over PVC alternatives and avoiding vinyl flooring or wall coverings can reduce phthalate presence in the home environment.