Phthalates? No Phthanks!
What are they?Phthalates are chemical plasticizers that have been widely used since the 1950's to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle and crack when bent. In personal care products, they are used to help lubricate, to help lotions penetrate, and to help fragrances last longer.Why are phthalates dangerous?Phthalates are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and they are present nearly everywhere that plastic is found. Recent studies have implicated phthalates in birth abnormalities and reduced sperm counts.
The possible link between phthalates and asthma is now being studied, as well as their influence on the timing of puberty and the risk of childhood obesity.Where are phthalates found?In personal care items, toys, electronics and household products, such as plastic wrap, plastic water bottles and plastic containers. In personal care products, they may not be listed on the label, since they are frequently included in "fragrance" added. Fragrance ingredients are not required by law to be listed.The most common phthalates:• DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
• DEP (diethyl phthalate)
• DMP (dimethyl phthalate)How are plasticizers absorbed by our bodies?
Three ways:• Ingestion
• Absorption
• InhalationIngestion:• Plastic teethers, squeeze toys or bath books, if made of soft plastic, may contain phthalates. When babies put them in their mouths, they are vulnerable to ingesting the phthalates.• Polymer clay, made to be formed, then baked, is made with PVC. When children play with it and then put their fingers in their mouths, they are at risk for ingestion of chemicals.Absorption:• Phthalates are found in many cosmetic and scented products, such as deodorants, nail polish, hair spray, perfumes, and some lotions and creams.
The chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.• We all know we must read the ingredients list on labels (right?) Still phthalates are often buried in the word 'fragrance', which is exempt from the rule that requires listing all ingredients. Buyer beware.Inhalation:• Dust or fumes from any products containing pvc or vinyl, such as vinyl flooring, seating in cars, some diaper-changing mats. These fumes are known as off-gassing. New vinyl products should be well aired (24 hours or more) before use.
What can we do?• Choose detergents, cleansers, Baby Bath Ring Seat Products, and personal care products that are 'fragrance free'.• Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website to find safer products.• Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic for water or baby bottles and storage containers. Take, Baby Bath Ring Seat Products, care when using glass.• Don't microwave food in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic. (In fact, try not to use the microwave)• Avoid canned foods, as plastic linings can leach phthalates into the food.
The possible link between phthalates and asthma is now being studied, as well as their influence on the timing of puberty and the risk of childhood obesity.Where are phthalates found?In personal care items, toys, electronics and household products, such as plastic wrap, plastic water bottles and plastic containers. In personal care products, they may not be listed on the label, since they are frequently included in "fragrance" added. Fragrance ingredients are not required by law to be listed.The most common phthalates:• DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
• DEP (diethyl phthalate)
• DMP (dimethyl phthalate)How are plasticizers absorbed by our bodies?
Three ways:• Ingestion
• Absorption
• InhalationIngestion:• Plastic teethers, squeeze toys or bath books, if made of soft plastic, may contain phthalates. When babies put them in their mouths, they are vulnerable to ingesting the phthalates.• Polymer clay, made to be formed, then baked, is made with PVC. When children play with it and then put their fingers in their mouths, they are at risk for ingestion of chemicals.Absorption:• Phthalates are found in many cosmetic and scented products, such as deodorants, nail polish, hair spray, perfumes, and some lotions and creams.
The chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.• We all know we must read the ingredients list on labels (right?) Still phthalates are often buried in the word 'fragrance', which is exempt from the rule that requires listing all ingredients. Buyer beware.Inhalation:• Dust or fumes from any products containing pvc or vinyl, such as vinyl flooring, seating in cars, some diaper-changing mats. These fumes are known as off-gassing. New vinyl products should be well aired (24 hours or more) before use.
What can we do?• Choose detergents, cleansers, Baby Bath Ring Seat Products, and personal care products that are 'fragrance free'.• Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website to find safer products.• Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic for water or baby bottles and storage containers. Take, Baby Bath Ring Seat Products, care when using glass.• Don't microwave food in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic. (In fact, try not to use the microwave)• Avoid canned foods, as plastic linings can leach phthalates into the food.
For more info, visit:
Environmental Working Group
http://babycenter.com
you put that on your face?!
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Nancy Eagles
chartered herbalist
Inanna Herbal Remedies Ltd.
http://Inannaherbs.com
info@inannaherbs.com
'We've got to get ourselves back to the garden' -- J. Mitchell
0 Response to "Phthalates? No Phthanks!"