Phthalates (pronounced thowl-ates) have been in the news a lot. We hear about the danger of phthalates in children's toys, about concerns that phthalates are used in cosmetics and the danger of PVC food and beverage containers.
So what are phthalates and are they dangerous?
Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds that are used to stabilize fragrances and increase the flexibility of plastics. They have been used in plastics since the 1930's and it's only recently that concerns have been raised. Phthalates are under attack by many environmental organizations who claim that there is strong evidence that these chemicals cause reproductive defects and early-onset of puberty in children. In October 2007 California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning certain phthalates from some toys and childcare articles.
In 2005 the European Parliament imposed a permanent ban on six chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles. These phthalate chemicals are used to soften the plastics. Young children can ingest these chemicals when they suck or chew on the soft plastic items.
A study released in February 2008 and that appeared in the journal Pediatrics states that these chemicals can potentially affect health. On the other hand, the U.S, Food and Drug Administration states that they have found no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk.
If you wish to error on the side of caution, how do you avoid phthalates? In terms of food and beverage containers and children's toys you should avoid any soft PVC. You can identify PVC on containers by examining the recycling triangle that appears on the bottom of most containers. PVC has a number 3 in the triangle.
Concerned parents can look for baby products such as shampoo that are labeled 'phthalate-free' and for products that do not include common phthalates such as DEP or DEHP. To avoid phthalates in cosmetics, avoid products that contain synthetic fragrance.
Until more research is done the situation with phthalates remains a confusing issue.
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