How to Limit Your Exposure to Phthalates
Various small measures can reduce your phthalate load.
Eat less processed food. Food, especially when fatty, is a major source of phthalate exposure, and processing can up the concentration. One study, for example, showed that prepared lunches had high levels of phthalates because food workers wore plastic gloves during prep.
Ventilate. Studies show indoor air tends to have higher loads than outdoor, most likely because countless household items and building materials contain phthalates that can end up in dust and air. Also, try to keep phthalate-containing materials, such as vinyl tiles and imitation leather furniture, out of kids' rooms.
Shop wisely. Many companies have introduced phthalate-free toys and baby products. You can find updated product reviews at websites like safemama.com.
Check your cosmetics. Products such as nail polish, hair spray, and deodorant can contain phthalates. The ingredients list may identify them—or mention only "fragrance," which may contain them.
Reader Comments
This is no joke - it's the harbinger of an epidemic
I worked in a church nursery and changed a whole lot of diapers, and I personally noticed a number of baby boys with stunted, tiny, or altogether missing penises, as if they just stopped growing in the womb. I even remarked on this to my husband, wondering what on earth could have caused this. When I read this article and many more like it claiming the same thing, I was astounded. It makes me wonder how many of the parents of these baby boys know that phthalate exposure could have caused such a birth defect. And physical defects aren't all - lower sperm counts could cause infertility. It may be 25 or 30 years before the true toll is learned. Worse yet, the girls could likewise be affected but in ways we won't know about until they reach sexual maturity. This issue should get wider publicity to prevent future such exposure.
The sky is falling
Another "sky is falling" article. Has anybody heard about this other nasty chemical called dihydrogen monoxide? It's found in cancer cells and hundreds of people die from it every year by breathing it into their lungs. It's a by product of the nuclear industry and over 99% of humans are found with this substance in their body. Of course, this nasty chemical is otherwise known as water. Every single chemical can be twisted into sounding like something it's not. It is irresponsible to even attempt to say that phthalates is the causal link to hypospadias when there could be 100+ other factors. The phthalate DINP specifically has been researched by Europe and the US and found to be of no concern. For those who claim "follow Europe", Europe's own scientific commission (independant scientists paid for by the government, not industry) produced a report saying there was no health risk with phthalates. The only reason the ban was put in place was due to polticial pressure from the environmental groups, NOT SAFETY! Wake up people, the sky is not falling.
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