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Phthalates
Avoid Phthalates
Phthalates (BPA, plastics) are used to make vinyl soft and flexible. This is used in anti-freeze solutions. Avoid breathing the fumes. These molecules stimulate liver cyst growth.
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can cause liver cysts to grow and expand. In addition phthalates are known to cause reproductive cancers. Their exposure can come from inhalation (like from a mesh backpack) to direct skin exposure, to eating the product (it has been used in baking certain commercial breads to enhance rising).
While looking for a mesh backpack to replace a broken one, discovery of California Proposition 65 warning became apparent. This does not ban phthalates use but simply puts a consumer warning on the product. Check carefully for these warnings before purchasing a phthalate free product. Medical devices, backpacks, toys, cars, homes all can contain flexible vinyl products which may contain phthalates.
Phthalates resemble hormone like molecules that can be taken up by the body as true hormone.Their use can be found in many
products:
blood storage bags
intravenous medical tubing
stents
petri dishes
vinyl flooring
detergents
automotive plastics
backpacks
commercially baked breads
soap
shampoo
deodorants
fragrances
hair spray
nail polish
plastic bags
food packaging
garden hoses
inflatable toys
vitamin bottles
containers
plastic wrap
water bottles
Its use has been found in cosmetics, especially nail polish. DEHP, or di(2-ethylhexyl) are phthalate chemicals that leach hormone like chemicals. They have been linked to reproductive problems. Male infants, pregnant women are at higher risk from any exposure to phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California Proposition 65 Banning Phthalates
Q: Does Proposition 65 affect the use of phthalates in products?
A: Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in plastics to make them soft and flexible.
Phthalates are used in common household products including cosmetics and personal care products,
automotive and building products, food and beverage packaging and soft, plastic children?s toys.
The following phthalates are listed under Proposition 65 because they are known to cause reproductive harm:
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP)
Under Proposition 65, significant exposure to any of these phthalates would require a warning before an exposure. Safe harbor levels or DEHP, DBP, DnHP, and DIDP have been established to assist businesses in determining whether a Proposition 65 warning is required. Proposition 65 does not ban the use of any of these chemicals, but does require warnings to consumers when exposures exceed the safe harbor levels.
The California law bans the use of certain phthalates in excess of 0.1 percent in certain child care articles. The federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act has similar bans.
Avoid These Shampoo Chemicals
Behentrimonium Chloride
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Dimethicone
Fragrance
Phenoxyethanol
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polysorbates
Potassium Sorbate
Quaternium-15
Retinyl Palmitate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
Triclosan
