Phthalates (Esters of phthalic acid) and Their Impacts on Human Health
Plastic has brought great benefits to society since it was invented in 1907, however, it also has many negative impacts on the environment and human health, which has become a global problem. (1)
Phthalates are (chemical plasticizers commonly found in plastics) (2) Phthalates enter into the body through ingestion, absorption and skin contact. (3)
Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics, they are used in a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics, medications, and plastic children’s toys. PVC is the most used plasticizer in the world. It is present in piping, tubing, packing, wiring, and thousands of consumer goods. In some products, like wall coverings, tablecloths, floor files, some toys, and shoes, phthalates are not strongly bonded can leach out. (4) Despite the short half-lives in tissues, chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents. Some studies have found these chemicals have been linked to cancers and hormonal disruptions. (1) Human erythrocytes are a target for phthalate toxicity. (3)
When it comes to the impacts on children, epidemiological studies about phthalates toxicity focused on pregnancy outcomes, genital development, semen quality, precocious puberty, thyroid function, respiratory symptoms, and neurodevelopment. (2)
The best way to protect your family from phthalates is to read labels on products and look for three- or four-letter chemical structure acronyms for phthalates, such as DOP, DBP, and DMP. Try reducing your family’s intake of foods containing phthalates. Some products contain the words “phthalate free,” but you should still read all the ingredients on the labels of these products. You should also be aware of phthalates hidden under the word “fragrance.” Fragrances in the form of phthalates are added to these products to make their scents last longer. (4)
Ways to reduce your family’s exposure include:
Choose natural personal care items.
Avoid PVC vinyl flooring and shower curtains. opt for wood, tile, concrete, or natural linoleum flooring. Use cloth or linen shower curtains instead of vinyl.
Avoid plastic toys. opt for wooden toys or organic cotton instead.
Swap out air fresheners loaded with phthalates for essential oils.
Use glass or stainless-steel containers.
Eat less fast food and prepare more fresh foods at home, using lean meats and fresh produce.
Phthalates are everywhere and almost everyone has been exposed to them. If you are concerned about phthalate exposure, you should do what you can to avoid these products.
References
1. Pubmed. Wang Y, Qian H. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 May 18;9(5):603. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9050603. PMID: 34069956; PMCID: PMC8157593. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health - PMC (nih.gov)
2. Science direct. 2022. J. Eales, A. Bethel, T. Galloway, P. Hopkinson, K. Morrissey, R.E. Short, R. Garside. Human health impacts of exposure to phthalate plasticizers: An overview of reviews. Environment International, Volume 158, ISSN 0160-4120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106903. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021005286)
3. Science direct. Aug 2023. Federica Arrigo, Federica Impellitteri, Giuseppe Piccione, Caterina Faggio,Phthalates and their effects on human health: Focus on erythrocytes and the reproductive system,Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109645. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S153204562300100X
4. Verywell health. Lana Barhum. February 02, 2022. Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO. Are Phthalates in Plastic Safe? Phthalates: Uses, Safety Concerns, How to Read Labels (verywellhealth.com)
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