Should You Avoid Phthalates?

We live in a world of chemicals. Some occur naturally, like those in our bodies or in water. Others are manufactured for a purpose — used for a thousand different reasons, including the production of food, consumer goods and medicine.

“Chemicals are in us and around us, at all times,” says internal medicine physician Anthony Taylor, DO. “While manufactured chemicals have helped the human race advance, we’re just now learning the effects they may be having on us.”

One group of “everywhere chemicals” that’s causing concern is phthalates. You encounter them daily, and they may interfere with how your body functions over time. Dr. Taylor shares what experts know about phthalates, and how to protect your health.

What are phthalates?

Phthalates (pronounced “THA-lates”) are chemicals created to solve problems in the manufacturing world. There are many kinds of phthalates with many different uses. But they’re most commonly used to make plastics softer and more durable. You’ll find them in everything from vinyl flooring to bath toys.

The most common plastic enhanced with phthalates is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a hard plastic that becomes flexible by adding phthalates. PVC is the second-most used plastic worldwide.

“Phthalates work as ‘plasticizers’ to help soften PVC,” Dr. Taylor explains. “Manufacturers use it to create flexible plastic products such as shower curtains, food containers and medical tubing.”

Phthalates are also found in personal care products, including soaps, cosmetics and deodorants. They help fragrances last longer and prevent nail polish from chipping.

How do phthalates enter your body?

Phthalates can seep from manufactured products into other substances, such as food, liquids and dust. There are several ways these chemicals can get into your body, including:

• Absorption through the skin when you use personal care products or wear clothing made with phthalates.
• Drinking water from cups or bottles containing phthalates.
• Ingesting foods that have high levels of phthalates due to their packaging or production.
• Inhaling dust or fragrances containing phthalates.

“Experts report finding high levels of phthalates in urine, breast milk and semen,” Dr Taylor shares. “Exposure in infants and children is often higher than adults, since they put everything in their mouths. Phthalates can also cross the placenta-blood barrier, so fetuses aren’t safe.”

Phthalates can enter your bloodstream and travel to organs and tissues before leaving the body through urine or feces (poop). While they aren’t in your body for more than 24 hours, chronic exposure can still impact how your body works.

How phthalates may affect your health

Experts suggest that ongoing exposure to phthalates may:

Disrupt your endocrine (hormone) system.

Your endocrine system produces hormones, which are in charge of various jobs in your body, including growth, digestion and reproduction. Experts believe that phthalates, along with other chemicals (like parabens) and environmental toxins, may be hormone disruptors.

Early research suggests that hormone disruptors may harm:

• Development of reproductive organs
• Fertility in males and females
• Neurodevelopment in children
• Pregnancy and birth

“It’s challenging to study the effect of particular hormone disruptors because we’re exposed to so many chemicals all the time,” Dr. Taylor says. “But many experts believe that reducing your exposure even a little bit may set you up for better long-term health.”

Increase your risk of chronic disease

Research about the effect of phthalates on humans is limited. But studies on humans show a link between exposure to phthalates and the development of chronic diseases, including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes

“Often, when something disrupts your hormones, your risk for chronic disease increases,” Dr. Taylor explains. “That’s why these hormone-disrupting chemicals have such a significant impact.”

How to identify phthalates in products

The United States manufactures or imports more than 450 million pounds of phthalates yearly, making it impossible to completely avoid these chemicals altogether. The first step to reducing your exposure, though, is knowing how to identify products containing phthalates.

You may find products labeled “phthalate-free.” (That makes it easy.) But labels rarely advertise that a product contains phthalates, says Dr. Taylor. Still, you can find specific phthalates listed as ingredients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all cosmetics to include an ingredient list on the packaging. The exception: If a phthalate was used to create the fragrance in the ingredients, it may not be listed individually.

On plastic products without an ingredient list, look for the triangular recycling symbol for guidance. If there is a number “3” within that symbol and the letters “V” or “PVC” below it, the item likely contains phthalates.

List of common phthalates

When phthalates are listed on labels, they often use their acronyms. The most commonly used phthalate compounds include:

• BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate), used in personal care products, vinyl tiles and car care products
• DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate), commonly used in nail polish
• DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), added to PVC to make flexible plastic products
• DEP (diethyl phthalate), used in personal care products to make them smell better
• DiDP (di-isodecyl phthalate), used in plastic products such as garden hoses, raincoats and shower curtains
• DiNP (di-isononyl phthalate), used to soften plastic for toys and other children’s products such as drinking straws and bath toys
• DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate), contained in products such as notebook covers, traffic cones and toys
• DnOP (di-n-octyl phthalate), a plasticizer used in items such as cables, medical tubing and the coating on the bottom of carpets

How to avoid phthalates

Dr. Taylor suggests these steps to limit your exposure to phthalates:

• Avoid vinyl: Most vinyl contains phthalates, but you can find “phthalate-free” vinyl flooring and other products without them.
• Don’t use fragranced products: Most personal care products with fragrance added contain phthalates.
• Eat whole foods whenever possible: Food that doesn’t come packaged is less likely to have phthalates.
• Identify products with phthalates: Check personal care products and plastic items to see if they contain these harmful chemicals.

“You can’t completely avoid exposure to phthalates, but awareness is the first step,” Dr. Taylor states. “Make it a habit to read the ingredients on your personal care products.”