The Effect of Phthalates on Health

Phthalates are chemicals found in soft flexible plastics. The are everywhere in our environment and impossible to avoid, being found in building products, medical devices, food packaging, toys and personal care products like shampoo, perfumes, nail polish and moisturizers.

The main way that we can are exposed to phthalates is through our diet. Phthalates can leach into food from plastic food preparation equipment, food preparation gloves, and food packaging. Phthalates can also be found circulating in the air and in household dust. Phthalates are also transferred across the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy.

These chemicals are known human hormone disrupters and have also been linked to increased obesity and diabetes risk.

A recent study also found that phthalate exposure is associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and they are known to be associated with alterations in heart rate variability and cardiovascular reactivity.

How to Avoid Phthalates

It is hard to know which items contain phthalates, but one easy thing we can check is the recycling symbol. If the recycling triangle has the number 3 inside it, and the letters V or PVC underneath it, then it contains phthalate. Numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 do not.

Try to opt for glass containers and bottles, avoid artificial fragrances and use wooden toys or buy toys marked as phthalate free.

If you would like help managing exposure to environmental toxins such as phthalates and minimizing their impacts on your health, I would absolutely love to work with you. My clinic is a judgement free zone, always. Click here to see how you can work with me.