Phthalates are a collection of colorless, oil-like chemicals that are used to make plastics more malleable. They are commonly added to plastics used in PVC materials, plastic tubing, “jelly rubber” used in adult 'toys' and children’s toys, and in plastics used in hospitals for medical procedures.

They are often added to household cleaning products, such as laundry detergents, to make the fragrance last longer.

They are also used to make the scent in perfumes stay longer on the skin, and to make nail polish more flexible.

Phthalates have been used widely for 50 years, but it is only recently that researchers have begun conducting studies on the health effects of exposure to these chemicals.

They are similar to flame retardant chemicals, as they are also not bonded to the plastics they are mixed with, and therefore can easily escape into the surrounding environment.

The scientific community is divided over whether phthalates pose the same risk in humans

as have been demonstrated in rats. Legislators in Europe and other countries including Canada and Mexico have moved to ban or phase out the use of some or all phthalates in products, particularly those available for children, as a precautionary measure.

A study conducted by Dr Shanna Swan demonstrated a link between genital formation in rats and high-rates of exposure to phthalates. The University of Rochester professor went on to suggest that fetal development of humans could also be affected by the presence of these chemicals.

Phthalates have been linked to testicular injury, liver injury, liver cancer and gene mutation in rats, but no studies have been conducted established whether humans experience the same effects.

A study by the US Center for Disease Control found the levels of phthalates in urine that was alarmingly high amongst women of

How Can We Avoid Phthalates?

In 2007, the California state legislature enacted a bill to ban some phthalates in children’s toys, effective in 2009. The ban targets toys for children aged under three, including teethers, bath books and rubber ducks. Because phthalates are not chemically bound to the plastic products, young children are at particular risk of exposure if they put the objects into their mouths.

While science remains divided over the danger of phthalates to humans, precautionary measures can be taken to reduce your exposure. The good news is, phthalates break down quickly and secrete easily from the body. The bad news is, the long-term dangers of these chemicals are as yet unknown.

Avoid bottled water – evidence suggests that the longer a water bottle is used, the more phthalates leaches out from the plastic to the contents of the bottle.

Look for PVC-free products for children – children have a habit of putting toys in their mouths, which could effect the transfer of phthalates into the body.

Microwave in glass products – heat can effect the release of phthalates into the environment, and plastic containers are often treated with the chemical.

Avoid fragrances and nail polish – many of them contain phthalates to prolong their effectiveness. Some brands including Revlon, Estee Lauder, Avon, Cover Girl and L’Oreal have reformulated their product lines to either remove or reduce the use of phthalates.

Dispose of all clear, shiny baby bottles – unless the manufacturer says they are phthalate-free.

Use fragrance-free products in your home cleaning routine. Buying laundry detergent that is free of chemicals such as phthalates is particularly important, as that fresh, fragrant “just washed” smell could be causing damage to your skin, respiratory system and reproductive system.

Many companies are beginning to respond to the demand for phthalate-free products, and while the manufacturers of phthalates continue to argue they are safe, the best option is to avoid them altogether.