1. Phthalates are chemicals which are typically added to plastics such as PVC to increase their flexibility. Phthalates are used in many products from coatings viscosity control agents, gelling agent, film former, stabilizer, dispersant, lubricants, binder, emulsifying agents, and suspending agents in such diverse products as adhesives, glues, agriculture products, building materials, printing inks and coatings and textiles.
2. Some phthalates are being phased out of many products such as children’s toys and baby bottles in the United States and European Union over health concerns. Phthalates have been linked to allergies and altered reproductive development.
3. I was surprised to learn that phthalates are still being used as coatings for pharmaceutical pills, detergents, some food products, and in personal care products including nail polish, perfumes, and even products designed for babies!
4. The skin is the largest organ of the body.
5. The skin allows water and chemicals to be expelled from our bodies and it should not be a great surprise to us that the body can also absorb chemicals into our bodies.
6. One recent study at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute, nine different phthalates were found in urine samples collected from 163 infants, aged 2 months to 28 months. This study found a strong correlation between the use of baby lotion, powder and shampoo and higher concentrations of phthalate in an infant’s body.
7. Babies may be more at risk than children or adults because their reproductive, endocrine and immune systems are still developing.
8. Researchers hypothesize but have not conclusively show than phthalate exposure in early childhood has been associated with altered hormone concentrations as well as increased allergies, runny nose and eczema.
9. Although more research is needed to determine if exposing very young children to phthalates is linked with reproductive or other problems as the animal studies suggest, but I think “WHY TAKE A CHANCE?”
10. I personally chose to use lotions, shampoo, and baby powder sparingly unless otherwise indicated for a medical reason to decrease by children’s exposures to phthalates.
11. I am currently researching alternative lotions, shampoo, and baby powders which do not include phthalates in the product or in the packaging. Check upcoming blogs for more information or sign up for more information at Omachron OnLine
Wayne Conrad
