Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no wonder—it's durable, flexible, and functional. However, the chemicals inside plastic can pose a danger to human health, especially for pregnant people and young children. One such chemical is phthalates, which are used to increase the flexibility of plastics and are found in a wide range of consumer products, from cosmetics to food packaging. While plastic box handles can be made purely from plastic, some are reinforced with cardboard. It is important to note that phthalates are not always required in plastic products, and their use depends on the specific type of plastic being used. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example, does not require phthalates or other softening additives. On the other hand, products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) often contain phthalates to make the material soft and flexible.
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What You'll Learn
Phthalates are not used in plastic beverage bottles in the US
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. They are also used to retain the scents used in fragrances, to soften and strengthen plastic, and to help topical products like lotions and cosmetics stick to and penetrate the skin.
However, phthalates have been found in other plastic products, such as food containers, plastic wraps, and cheese. They can also seep into food through processing equipment like tubing, gloves, conveyor belts, and plastic wraps. This is particularly true for fatty and processed foods.
Due to health concerns, the US government has banned certain phthalates in children's toys and baby bottles. However, there are still limited regulations on plastic-related chemicals in food packaging and production. The burden of reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals currently falls on consumers, who must take steps to limit their exposure.
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Plasticisers like phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no surprise that it has made its way into our food and drinks. Plasticisers are chemical additives used in plastic manufacturing to make the material more flexible and durable. One of the most common plasticisers is phthalates, which are often used in products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make them soft and flexible. Phthalates can constitute up to 50% of PVC products by weight.
PVC is a versatile plastic, used in everything from rigid pipes to flexible tubing and cable covers. It is also used in consumer products like toys, shampoo bottles, and food packaging. However, despite their prevalence, phthalates are not used in plastic beverage bottles, food containers, or any other type of plastic food packaging sold in the United States. This includes plastic wrap and products like Saran Wrap and Ziploc bags.
Phthalates have come under scrutiny due to potential health and environmental concerns. Studies have been conducted to understand their impact on the environment and whether they contribute to indoor dust and endocrine disruption. While the human body can eliminate bisphenols and phthalates, constant exposure means these chemicals are continually present in our systems. Lowering exposure is advised, and some sources recommend avoiding vinyl products, store receipts, and heating plastics to reduce potential health risks.
Phthalates are not always listed on product labels, and there are few regulations restricting their use in food production. However, some companies, like SC Johnson, have specifically stated that they do not use phthalates in their products. It's worth noting that polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic used in beverage bottles, does not require phthalates or other softening additives, despite the similarity in names.
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Phthalates are harmful to pregnant women and babies
It is important to note that phthalates are not used in all plastics. For instance, plastic beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which does not require the use of phthalates. Similarly, SC Johnson has stated that "phthalates are not used in any Saran or Ziploc product".
However, phthalates are indeed used in some plastic products, particularly those made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl). This includes items like vinyl shower curtains, cable, wire, and flooring. Phthalates are also commonly found in fragrances and cosmetics, as well as in toys and garden hoses.
Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, and their potential harm to pregnant women and babies is a particular cause for concern. Here are some reasons why:
- Endocrine disruption: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the production and regulation of hormones like estrogen, thyroid, and sex hormones. This can lead to an increased risk of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues.
- Prenatal exposure: Research has shown that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can have serious and even permanent adverse effects on infants and children. Studies have found associations with preterm birth, preeclampsia, maternal glucose disorders, infant cryptorchidism, infant hypospadias, shorter anogenital distance in newborns, and growth restriction in infants, early adolescents, and children.
- Genital abnormalities: Phthalates can interfere with male genital development. Animal studies have also indicated that phthalate exposure can impair the function of Leydig cells, disrupting testicular steroidogenesis, sperm quality, and fertility.
- Increased risk of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes: Exposure to phthalates, particularly the type known as monoethyl phthalate (MEP), has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes. Women with higher urinary concentrations of MEP were found to have twice the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and a seven-fold higher risk of impaired glucose tolerance.
- Motor skill problems: Studies have shown that children whose mothers were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy were more likely to have problems with motor skills, which are important not just for sports but also for everyday activities.
Given the potential risks, pregnant women should take steps to reduce their exposure to phthalates. This includes avoiding products with fragrances, opting for handmade or natural cosmetic and personal care products, and limiting the use of plastics, especially in items like baby bottles and toys.
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Phthalates can enter our food through processing equipment
Phthalates are a class of additives used in some plastic products to make the material soft and flexible. While they are not used in plastic food packaging in the United States, phthalates can enter our food through various processing equipment and materials.
One way phthalates can enter our food is through the plastic in tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing. For example, PVC gloves are often used in food handling, and PVC tubing is used in the olive oil industry and for milking and processing milk. Phthalates can easily migrate from these sources into food, especially when exposed to heat.
Contaminated water and soil are also significant pathways for phthalates to enter our food supply. These chemicals can enter water sources and soil through agrochemical treatments, industrial waste, and other means, eventually making their way into meat and produce.
Another way phthalates can enter the food supply is through printing inks or adhesives on food wrappers and coatings on cookware that have been contaminated by packaging materials. Even the storage and transportation of food can lead to phthalate contamination, as these chemicals can easily migrate from various matrices due to their noncovalent binding.
The presence of phthalates in our food is a growing concern due to their potential health risks. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, interfering with the production and regulation of hormones. The constant exposure to these chemicals, even at low levels, can lead to a higher risk of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues.
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Phthalates are used in cosmetics, medications and plastic toys
Phthalates are a group of chemicals most commonly used to make plastic more flexible and harder to break. They are also used as a binding agent or a solvent. Also known as plasticizers, they are found in a wide range of products and were first introduced in the 1920s as an additive in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and some healthcare products, such as insect repellent.
Phthalates are used in cosmetics, medications, and plastic toys. In cosmetics, they are used to retain the scents used in fragrances, to soften and strengthen plastic, and to help topical products like lotions and cosmetics stick to and penetrate the skin. They are also used as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations. Phthalates can be found in nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, shampoos, sanitary pads, and more. Dibutylphthalate (DBP), for example, is used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes to reduce cracking by making them less brittle. The primary phthalates used in cosmetic products have historically been DBP, dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP).
Phthalates are also used in medications and other healthcare products. For example, DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is commonly found in medical products like disposable gloves, tubes, catheters, and blood bags. DiNP (Di-isononyl phthalate) is commonly found in toys and childcare products, such as bath toys, drinking straws, and rubber ducks.
While phthalates have been used in consumer products for many years, there are growing concerns about their health effects. Studies have shown that phthalates can mimic the body's natural hormones, interfering with the normal functioning of the body. They are believed to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can alter hormonal balance and potentially cause reproductive, developmental, and other health issues. In 2008, Congress outlawed three types of phthalates (DBP, BBP, and DEHP) in all toys and childcare products. The EU has also been tightening restrictions on the use of phthalates in consumer products, banning several types of phthalates in cosmetics and other products.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic box handles do not require phthalates. Phthalates are a class of manufactured chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics. They are often used in products like cosmetics, medications, and plastic children’s toys. However, they are not necessary for the production of plastic box handles.
Phthalates have been linked to various health issues and have been detected in food products. Studies have found that they can interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to potential health problems including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues. They are also linked to cancers, hormonal disruptions, developmental delays, and birth defects.
Consumers can take several steps to reduce their exposure to phthalates. Reading product labels and looking for three- or four-letter chemical structure acronyms for phthalates, such as DOP, DBP, and DMP, is a good first step. Avoiding vinyl products, store receipts, and products with added fragrances or perfumes can also help reduce exposure. Preparing meals at home with fresh ingredients and limiting the use of plastic containers for food storage and heating are additional ways to minimize potential contact with phthalates.
