Phthalates - Avoiding Toxins

This post is part of an ongoing series on Avoiding Toxins in our Lives.  To read more on how to avoid toxins click here





Perhaps you have heard of Phthalates, but do you know what they are?
Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and lengthen the life of fragrances.  They mimic our hormones, and are especially damaging to babies, children, teens and pregnant moms.
So what it the problem with phthalates? Phthalates have been linked to endocrine system  male genital  abnormalities, liver and kidney lesions, and higher rates of childhood asthma and allergies. The effects are most damaging to teen, children and babies. Additionally, because it crosses through the placental blood, pregnant women should avoid it as well.  But the most amazing thing to me is that as of 2003 Europe has banned their  use in cosmetics and in 2005 the use of phthalates was banned in children’s toys. However here in the United States we are not as lucky. It is up to us to police the products coming in to our house for our families.
How do we know what products have Phthalates?
Phthalates are used in many products as a fragrance enhancer, they are also used to make plastics soft. Think vinyl. It is almost impossible to tell if your  lotion or shampoo contains phthalates because personal care companies are not required to list all of their ingredients on product labels. They can simply list it as “fragrance”.  So at the very least, look for personal care products that are labeled “fragrance-free”. It is more  likely that they won’t contain phthalates. Better yet, look for products that are certified “phthalate-free.” 
Phthalates are also found in cleaning  products such as carpet cleaners, household cleaners and air fresheners to name a few. The spray type and the gel types.  The stronger the smell the more likely it has phthalates in it. My advice is to avoid that aisle in the store.
When trying to avoid phthalates are  found in plastic products be careful with plastic wrap, plastic bottles(including baby bottles), food storage containers. If you want to avoid phthalates look for plastics that have recycle codes  1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely to contain phthalates and bisphenol-a (another known endocrine disruptor).
If want to read labels, and I suggest you do you can look for these names and avoid them to stay away from phthalates.

• 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.
• 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)

 

Avoiding Phthalates
Keep in mind that you will not find recycling codes or material labels on all products.  But you can read the ingredients. There are some ways to identify whether or not there is phthalates in it are to look for these chemical abbreviations 

1. • 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)

The best way to avoid phthalates is to avoid fragrance in products and stay away from plastics. But I understand that not all of us can go out and immediately replace all of our household products at once. Going Green can be done in baby steps.

If you have plastics in the kitchen, please do not use them in the microwave to reheat foot. There is some evidence that phthalates are more likely to leach out of plastic when heated. For that reason you should also reconsider your travel mug. You are after all putting a hot beverage in it. If you save your leftovers try  mason jars. I love these. I even take my lunch in these if all of our thermoses are being used.
instead of storing your leftovers in plastic containers try mason jars. I love these. I even take my lunch in these if all of our thermoses are being used.

Since  Phthalates are what make vinyl (PVC) toys soft,  don’t give children plastic toys, this is especially important if you have a little one who puts things in their mouth. Try some wooden or cloth toys. You may be able to find toys that are  phthalate-free toys.
Paint: Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated space.
Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the “fragrance” in some products. Manufacturers of personal care products are not required to list  DEP separately, so  choose personal care products, detergents, and cleansers that don’t have the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list. If you want fragrance try essential oils.
Vinyl: Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, backpacks, shower curtains and items of clothing (like some raincoats) . Opt for real wood furniture, and canvas or a non-vinyl shower curtain, and backpacks for you and your kids.
Finding Phthalate Free Products

Luckily for us, Safe Mama's has done some research for us and has a  cheat sheet of  paraben and phthalate free baby products. For products and brands not listed here you can check EWG’s Cosmetic Database.

When it comes to cleaning supplies stick to simple and natural products, like Bon Ami, or castile soap. Better yet, make your own natural cleaners. Just remember if it has a strong smell, it does not belong in your house.
As for plastics there are so many alternatives, instead of storing your leftovers in plastic containers try mason jars. I love these. I even take my lunch in these if all of our thermoses are being used.

 

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