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Currently, numerous studies and scientific investigations have confirmed the endocrine disrupting property and toxicity of around 600 compounds, among them, phthalates. The most alarming thing about this statement is the fact that these chemical compounds are part of many of the materials and objects that we use the most in our day to day life. The use of plastics and polymers of which phthalates are part are a direct consequence of the lifestyle that modern society has been establishing in homes, workplaces and other environments of anthropic ecosystems around the planet. In this way, the presence of phthalates in cosmetics, as well as in soft toys for babies or even in food consumed daily, is the consequence of one of the greatest sources of toxicity suffered by the current world population. Luckily, awareness of this topic is promoted and in places like the BioCultura Fair in Spain we can find more information and products free of these substances.
If you want to learn more about phthalates, do not miss this interesting article by Ecologist Verde in which you will learn in detail what are phthalates, the effects they have on our health and some of the common products in which they are found.
What are phthalates
Phthalates are chemical compounds formed by aromatic diesters derived, specifically, from ortho-phthalic acid or terephthalic acid. They are liquid compounds with a light color and oily texture, whose solubility in water and volatile capacity are low. There are different types of phthalates, Di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) being the most abundant.
Phthalates are included within the group of plasticizing chemical agents most used in the plastics industry. They are responsible for the flexibility capacity of various rigid plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (CPV), used in the manufacture of tubes, valves, toys and pacifiers, among other objects.
During the last 15 years they have been widely studied, since their multiple applications have been the cause of different diseases in humans and animals. In this way, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the phthalate DEHP was classified and recognized as a compound with property of endocrine disruptorIts main contaminating mechanism is the activation of the protein network that regulates a great variety of cellular functions within our organism.
The next sections of the article detail the negative effects of phthalates on the health of people and animals, as well as the main objects, foods and products that we consume in our day to day that contain these harmful chemical components. We recommend that you learn more about the topic of endocrine disruptors and, for this, at Ecologista Verde we have prepared this other informative article on What are endocrine disruptors.
Health Effects of Phthalates
The first evidences of human health toxicity of phthalates They are relatively recent, since only fifteen years ago the scientific community began to be interested in the study and research of these chemical compounds. Since then, the different toxicological results of the effect of phthalates in laboratory animals and on human health have revealed the existence of various adverse biological effects linked to the exposure of phthalates and, mainly, to their metabolites. Thus, it has been established how the rapid hydrolysis of phthalates in certain animal organs (such as the lungs and intestines) determines the biological reactivity and, therefore, the serious toxicity of these chemical compounds.
Some of the Health effects of phthalates most prominent are:
- Obesity.
- Reduced levels of sex hormones in men.
- Alterations in the quality of semen.
- Reduction of the anogenital distance in children, which can ease certain conditions over time.
- Carcinogenic effects.
To detect the presence to a greater or lesser extent of phthalates in the body and relate it to the health effects mentioned above, the most widely used medical procedure is the biomonitoring of the metabolites of phthalates in urine. Currently, more and more countries are opting for phthalate biomonitoring studies as a preventive and detection measure in the public health of the population.
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Where are phthalates found
Now that we know what are phthalates and their toxic effects on health, let us know in detail through what means we can suffer exposure to these chemical components, as well as in which products it is common to find them.
The main route of exposure to phthalates is through food, that is, through the intake of food and the consumption of water and other beverages contained in plastic containers. On the other hand, the inhalation of phthalates present in the environment are also frequent, as well as the direct contact of the skin with different products rich in these harmful chemical compounds.
Phthalate products
- Adhesives, rubbers, tablecloths, carpets and tires.
- Detergents, lubricating oils, solvents and insecticides.
- Phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products such as soap, deodorant, perfumes, hair spray, shampoo, nail polish, and creams.
- Plastic bags.
- Hoses
- Photographic films.
- Paintings.
- In flexible plastic toys, such as soft rattles and baby teethers.
- Shower curtains and blinds.
- Beverages bottled in PET plastic, food containers and plastic wrap are the main sources of exposure to phthalates in food.
- Plastic pipes for plumbing.
- Waterproofing products, furniture finishes, such as varnishes, and plastic construction materials.
- Shoes and toothbrushes.
- In medical devices such as blood bags and IV medical equipment.
How to find phthalate-free products
Due to the wide variety of products in which it is possible to find phthalates as one of its main components, it is essential to become aware of the consumption of these products, as well as the routine of controlling the labeling of those objects and materials prone to contamination. presence of phthalates.
From the European Union, various regulatory frameworks have been established in recent years, with the aim of controlling and / or eliminating the main phthalates. In this way, new regulations are being applied in which the use of phthalates in cosmetics has been prohibited, as well as their presence in paints and varnishes restricted (Laws CE 36/2003, CE 93/2004, CE 90/2005 and CE 2/2009). Likewise, the use of these harmful chemical compounds has also been regulated in the field of the food industry (EC Law 19/2007); The sale and production of toys and other products intended for consumption by children is also prohibited (EC Law 84/2005). However, not all the products that come to us come from the European Union, among other aspects, and for this reason it is important be well informed about the products we purchase.
If you want to read more articles similar to Phthalates: what are they, effects and products, we recommend that you enter our Health and Science category.
Bibliography- Ramos, J.J .; Esteban, M. & Castaño, A. (2015) Exposure to phthalates in children and adults. Environmental Health Magazine, special Papers presented at the IX National Conference of Endocrine Disruptors - Madrid. Volume pp: 65-85.
- García, F .; Bustamante L.P. & García, M. (2013) Presence of phthalates in beverages in the state of Mexico. Ibero-American Journal for Educational Research and Development (RIDE), Volume XI.
- Pérez, L. et al., (2022) Characteristics and uses of phthalates. Mexican journal of biotechnology. Volume 2 (1), pp: 145-154.
- Bustamante, P. et al., (2001) Phthalates and health effects. International Journal of Environmental Pollution. Volume 17 (4).
