Subscribe
What is this?Ever Heard of Phthalates?
on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 A group of obscure chemical compounds, called phthalates, was in the news recently. They are found in scores of consumer products, and are linked by some to a variety of health problems. A primer on this new chemical hazard:
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds that come in the form of oily, colourless liquids. There are dozens of types of phthalates.
How are they used?
Phthalates have been used for about 50 years to make plastics softer and flexible in products like vinyl-flooring and seat coverings, raincoats, shower curtains, garden hoses and sex toys. They are found in children’s products like teething rings and bibs, plus bath, beach and pool toys. In hospitals, phthalates are found in intravenous medical tubing, exam gloves, catheters and blood storage bags. They are used in nail polish to prevent chipping, and in perfumes to help the fragrance last longer. Phthalates are so ubiquitous that studies have found them in almost everyone tested.
Why are they considered harmful?
Some studies have linked phthalates to reproductive problems, early onset of puberty, testicular cancer, and liver and thyroid damage. Studies suggest that phthalates may contribute to asthma and decreased lung function in men. But trade groups say they are harmless to humans, and cite government reports to back their view. While studies have found phthalates to be toxic to lab animals, fewer studies on humans have been done.
