Phthalates are a commonly used of chemicals found in an alarming amount of consumer products, it act as a solvent in products such as cosmetics, fragrances and hairspray. As a softener for plastic products, phthalates are found in PVC, vinyl, and other forms of plastic.
Danger of Phthalates
More research and studies have found out that phthalates are harmful, trends suggest that phthalates can cause reproductive harm, especially among young males. In lab tests, rats exposed to higher concentrations of phthalates produced male offspring with reproductive abnormalities. Health concerns associated with high phthalate exposure include reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy, and other reproductive harm.
Ways to Avoid Phthalates
Public concerns have been raised about the health risks of phthalates because there is extensive scientific literature that reports their hormone-disrupting effects, and there is substantial evidence that the levels of phthalates found in humans may have adverse effects.
In light of the growing concern over phthalates in consumer products, there are some ways to prevent exposure to phthalates.
- Check product labels for the phrase ‘phthalate free’ or ‘ non-phthalate’.
- Do not install vinyl flooring or carpet in your home – opt instead for natural flooring materials sealed with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sealers.
- Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, and items of clothing (like some raincoats) are often sources. Aside from carefully choosing materials when you’re making purchases, there is one easy change you can make: switch to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That “new shower curtain” smell (you know the one) is a result of chemical off-gassing, and it means your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.
- The fragrances in many products contain phthalates, so whenever possible use products that are unscented or scented only with essential oils. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the number one cause of allergic cosmetic reactions. Phthalates are added to help fragrances last longer, according the American Chemistry Council.
- Choose cleaning products with plant-derived surfactants and make use of the natural cleaning powers of vinegar, baking soda, and borax.
- 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.
- Eliminate plastic food storage containers. Microwaving food in plastic allows chemicals to leach into food. Replace plastic containers with glass food storage containers.
- If using hard polycarbonate plastics (water bottles/ baby bottles / sippy cups), do not use for warm or hot liquids.
- Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated space.
- Read the ingredients. According to the organization Pollution in People, you can identify phthalates in some products by their chemical names, or abbreviations:
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care products.)
- DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.
- BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).
- Since it is also possible to be exposed to phthalate by simply breathing, it’s a good idea to keep things well ventilated when indoors. This is because many household items, even wallpaper, can contain phthalate. It’s possible that phthalate may find its way into the dust indoors and eventually into the air. Phthalates can even be found in building materials, so it’s a good idea to keep ventilation a priority during construction and renovation.
- Check the symbol on the bottom of the plastic items before you buy. Recycling codes 3, 6 and 7 are more likely to contain phthalates.
Because phthalates are widespread in everyday items we use, elimination is difficult. However, reducing exposure is a step in the right direction and will have positive effects on family health.
A Look at Flipper’s Material Composition
Based on assurances and test results provided by manufacturers and test results of samples of finished products that had tested by an independent accredited third-party laboratory, the Flipper meets the applicable requirements of US toy standard (such as ASTM F963 & CPSIA) and EU toy standard (EN71 & REACH) for phthalates, lead content, soluble heavy metal and all other applicable standards.
Sources / References:
http://www.aoec.org/PEHSU/documents/bpa_patient_july_8_08.pdf
http://pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/labels
http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/phthalates.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-limit-my-exposure-to-phthalates.htm
http://attainfertility.com/article/prevent-infertility
