Phthalates

Health concerns

Phthalates are known to interfere with the production of male reproductive hormones in animals and likely have similar effects in humans. Their effects in animal studies are well recognized and include lower testosterone levels, decreased sperm counts and lower sperm quality. Exposure to phthalates during development can also cause malformations of the male reproductive tract and testicular cancer. Young children and  developing fetuses are most at risk.

Where they are found

Phthalates are used in an enormous range of products, including air fresheners, plastic toys, flooring tiles, medical devices, cosmetic and personal-care products (including fragrances and nail polish), vinyl, inks and adhesives. Phthalates are also used as food additives and as inert ingredients in pesticides.

Because phthalates are not chemically bound to products, they easily migrate or off-gas, especially with heat. People can be exposed to phthalates by inhaling or ingesting contaminated dust particles, eating contaminated food, or applying products which contain phthalates to the skin.

Stay safe
Buy wood or phthalate-free plastic toys for kids.

Keep your home and workplace free of vinyl. Use alternatives to vinyl flooring and interior finishes.

Avoid products with added synthetic fragrances, such as cleaning products, detergents, certain perfumes and air fresheners.

Buy phthalate-free cosmetics. Manufacturers aren’t required to list phthalates on the label, but any item listed as “fragrance” is often a chemical mixture that can contain phthalates.
 
The big picture
Because of weak regulatory oversight and a lack of labeling requirements, consumers have little way of knowing what foods, personal-care items and other consumer products contain phthalates. Congress has banned the use of six of the most dangerous phthalates in children’s toys, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission, responsible for enforcing and upholding the ban, has stalled on its implementation, to the confusion of consumers and manufacturers alike.

The FDA should revoke approval of phthalates in food and food packaging.  The EPA should revoke its approval of phthalate use in pesticides and conduct a thorough evaluation of the safety of these chemicals.