How to Limit Your Exposure to Phthalates

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One known harbinger of phthalates is sex toys.The ingredient is used to make vinyl and other plastics softer and more pliable.These toys should never be allowed to contact the mouth.How much is acquired by simply touching the products is something I don't know about.

Mac of NC 9:57AM December 10, 2010

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.

Concerned of TX 6:04PM October 15, 2008

Don has never met a toxic substance he doesn't like.
Go visit some of the chemical industry websites. They are hilarious. One wonders why they name themselves so you'd think they are about protecting the environment, keeping people healthy, and supporting "sound science."

Tara of 6:51PM June 12, 2008

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.

Don of IL 8:18AM May 12, 2008

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.

Don of IL 8:17AM May 12, 2008

I can never turn my back on knowledge that can poison or protect our natural resources...OUR YOUNG COMMUNITY. I have been supporting these months a bill in Connecticut HB5601 to ban the use of phthalates and bisphenol A from infant and children's products because of the serious health issues from these toxic chemical exposures. Here is where we can make a change to protect and prevent further ill effects from our "young community" and where ethically we must move forward to the highest of standards and regulations for our most vulnerable population.
I just came from a conference at Yale University where these toxins where discussed and caution and support were encouraged not only in the young community, but also where cosmetics w females & males have exposure.
Please continue to pour into our communities the seriousness of the continued use of such toxic chemicals so we as a people can stop the use and invite research for non toxic alternatives.
Thank you so much for your continuing education and please forward.
Joyce
Acebo~Raguskus, Chair Diesel Cleanup, Environmental Concerns Coalition, Milford, CT
Coalition for Safe & Healthy CT
Coalition for Environmental Justice
etc.

Joyce Acebo~Raguskus of CT 1:46PM May 09, 2008