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Phthalates? What is it?
Phthalates is a 'plasticizer' used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances. They are an endocrine disruptor linked to genital abnormalities in baby boys and other reproductive issues in adult males. It's also been recently linked to asthma and allergies. Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones. Six types of phthalates are banned in Europe, and California is looking at a phthalate ban in baby toys and products by 2009.
Common things that contain Phthalates:
- Plastic with the number 3 in the recycling triangle
- Vinyl Toys (PVC), like rubber ducks and soft plastic toys
- Shower curtains
- Nail polish
- Fragrance - Look for DEP (Diethyl phthalate)
- Air Fresheners
- Vinyl - rain jackets, lawn furniture
Read the label!
The label might not always be clear. According to Pollution in People you can identify the products by their chemical name:
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP,)
- DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.
- BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).
Phthalates? What is it?
posted by Eco Baby Products on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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