Phthalates

https://www.drionelahubbard.com/article/phthalates-increase-obesity-diabetes-and-metabolic-syndrome-risk

You probably never heard of this family of chemicals, but did you know that phthalates are in products you use everyday? That's right, you're probably holding or wearing something with phthalates right now! But what is this strange chemical?

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used to soften plastics and to put fragrances into products. Phthalates cant be found naturally, so all forms are man-made. They can be found in products such as food packages, toys, deodorant, eyeglasses, and even plastic medical devices. But how does it get into your body?

Well, phthalates aren't chemically bound to the products that contain them, and leach out of products with heat or pressure. That means every time you heat up your food in that favorite container, a little phthalate leaches into your food. Phthalates can also get absorbed through the skin, usually through personal care products and make-up, or inhaled from air containing leached phthalates. So whats this going to do to your body anyways?

The health effects of exposure to phthalates are not yet fully known, but it may cause damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as the nervous system. They can also damage the reproductive system, especially in males¹. However, government agencies have said there is little risk of bad effects from the levels found in most products, including cosmetics.  They also say it's not clear what effect, if any, phthalates have on human health². This means that although phthalates are constantly being absorbed by people on a daily basis, there is little evidence of bad side effects. But what can you do if you decide you want to avoid phthalates?

The best way is to buy products labeled "phthalate free" as they will be using an alternative. Try to microwave and heat your food in non phthalate containers, to avoid the leaching properties of common plastics. This will definitely reduce the amount of phthalates you absorb, but because phthalates are so common, its impossible to completely eliminate exposure.

1. Shibko, S. I., & Blumenthal, H. (1973). Toxicology of Phthalic Acid Esters Used in Food-                  Packaging Material. Environmental Health Perspectives, 3, 131. doi:10.2307/3428039

2. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Ingredients - Phthalates. Retrieved from              https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm128250.htm