Flipper Museum

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.

1. Check product labels for the phrase ‘phthalate free’ or ‘ non-phthalate’.
2. Do not install vinyl flooring or carpet in your home – opt instead for natural flooring materials sealed with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sealers.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Choose cleaning products with plant-derived surfactants and make use of the natural cleaning powers of vinegar, baking soda, and borax.
6. 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.
7. Eliminate plastic food storage containers. Microwaving food in plastic allows chemicals to leach into food. Replace plastic containers with glass food storage containers.
8. If using hard polycarbonate plastics (water bottles/ baby bottles / sippy cups), do not use for warm or hot liquids.
9. Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated space.
10. 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).
11. 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.
12. 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

Toothbrushes are now commonplace in our daily routines. In fact, many of us have taken it for granted – but did you know that toothbrushes have a long history dating all the way back to 3500BC? Let’s have a look at how toothbrushes have evolved:

Early Toothbrush – Chewing Stick

The earliest toothbrushes were primitive. From around 3500BC, the Egyptians and Babylonians began to chew on sticks so that the wood fiber would form a brush that they could use to clean their teeth. This form of toothbrush is also the direct ancestor of the Miswak toothbrush (essentially a twig off the Salvadora persica tree) that is still popular in some Muslim communities today as it is endowed with natur

al healing and antiseptic properties. Image Courtesy of www.toptipspot.com

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First Bristled Toothbrush

Europeans, on the other hand, coped by dipping cloth or sponges in oils and salt solutions to rub and clean their teeth. By the late 15^th century, the Chinese had their versions of toothbrushes as they plucked hairs from Siberian wild boars and pasted them onto animal bones or bamboo sticks. Eventually, Englishman William Addis emulated the Chinese approach and introduced the modern form of toothbrushes to Europe in 1780, using a similar combination of bones and animal hairs.

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First Patented Toothbrush

Meanwhile, entrepreneur H.N. Hadsworth helped to popularize toothbrush usage in America. In 1857, he was granted the very first toothbrush patent, and that lead to the mass production of toothbrushes from 1885.

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Plastic Toothbrush

Toothbrush handles were made with soup bones until World War I disrupted the supplies (bones were diverted for the troops instead). Thus, an alternative material had to be found – and moldable plastic celluloid rose to the challenge.

By 1938, DuPont further cemented plastic’s central role in toothbrushes by using nylon bristles on toothbrushes on a large scale. With the advantage of lower costs and improved performance, fully plastic-based toothbrushes soon took central stage and became the norm.

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Electric Toothbrush

Simultaneously, Switzerland saw the first electric toothbrush in 1939, as scientists sought to improve cleaning results by simulating brushing actions. Electric toothbrushes, however, did not take off for most of the century, even as they became much more technologically sophisticated. For example, the Oral-B Triumph 9100 can detect and monitor how thoroughly you have brushed your teeth, and alerts you to quadrants that need further brushing. However, the manual toothbrush still forms the great majority in home usage.

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Today, there are over 3000 patents on various types of toothbrushes, with continued research and innovations in toothbrush development. Regardless of its size and shape though, the various toothbrushes through time and civilizations share the same goal – to help us maintain our oral hygiene, and give us brighter sparkly smiles!

The toothbrush plays an important role in maintaining our oral hygiene by removing plaque and bacteria, keeping our pearly-whites clean and sparkling as it work its way around our teeth and gum every day.

However, it is easy to overlook the hygiene and care of the toothbrush itself. Invisible germs and bacteria – including those that cause infections like gingivitis and gum diseases – thrive in high-humidity areas like the bathroom. Thus, if we are not careful with how we use our toothbrushes, we risk turning our toothbrushes from a cleaning tool into a contaminated host where germs grow.

To keep your toothbrush clean, follow these 7 simple tips:

Never share your toothbrushes

Sharing toothbrushes increases the risk of infections, as body fluids and germs can easily transfer from one family member to another. This is especially important for people with infectious diseases or reduced immunity (e.g. the young or the sick).

Avoid toothbrush-toothbrush contact

Many families store their toothbrushes together (e.g. in a cup, on the basin or huddled around in a cabinet). This can cause bacterial cross-contamination, as the germs from one family member passes onto another through the toothbrush.

Keep toothbrushes away from the toilet; close the toilet lid before flushing

While flushing, droplets of contaminated water floats into the surrounding areas, and may land on counter-tops and sinks. Thus, dentists recommend a minimum of 6 feet distance between a toothbrush and the toilet. Even better – close the toilet lid before flushing.

Store your toothbrushes in upright position

Keeping your toothbrushes upright in a well-ventilated area makes it easier for excess water droplets to drain off, so that the toothbrush can stay dry and clean.

Rinse thoroughly after every brush

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing to ensure that toothpaste, bacteria and small food particles are washed off. However, there is no need to soak the toothbrushes in mouthwash or disinfecting solutions. In fact, this may even increase cross-contamination if the same disinfectant is used multiple times.

Use a toothbrush cover

Howard Glazer, spokesman for Academy for General Dentistry, recommends the use of a toothbrush cover as it effectively protects the toothbrush from various elements: splattering water, skin contact and contact with other toothbrushes.

Replace your toothbrushes regularly

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months – or when the bristles appear worn – to ensure maximum effectiveness in cleaning. Children’s toothbrushes should be changed more often as they wear out quicker. Remember to wash your new toothbrush before use!

Take care of your toothbrush, and your toothbrush will take care of you!

Reference:
American Dental Association (ADA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
British Dental Assciation (BDA)