What are Phthalates and How Do They Affect You?

What are Phthalates and How Do They Affect You?

Have you ever heard of phthalates? If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of phthalates, let alone the potential dangers they pose to human health. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what phthalates are and how they can affect your health.

What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates (pronounced “THAL-eights”) are synthetic chemicals that are often used to soften plastics. They can also be found in many everyday items such as cosmetics, food packaging, toys, and medical supplies. Unfortunately, these chemicals can leach into our bodies when we come in contact with them.

The Dangers of Phthalates
Studies have shown that phthalate exposure is linked to a range of health issues including reproductive problems, asthma, allergies, cancer, and even birth defects. These harmful effects can occur both through direct contact with the chemical (such as when touching or breathing in airborne particles containing phthalate) or through ingestion (eating small amounts of food containing the chemical).

Fortunately, there has been increasing awareness of the dangers posed by phthalates in recent years. As a result, many companies have begun eliminating their use of these dangerous chemicals in favour of safer alternatives. However, it is still important for consumers to be aware of which products contain phthalates so that they can make an informed decision about what they purchase.

How to Avoid Phthalate Exposure
To avoid exposure to phthalates it is best to read labels carefully when shopping for products that may contain them such as cosmetics and food containers. It is also important to avoid any products labelled “fragrance” or “perfume” as these often contain high levels of phthalate compounds. When possible it is best to purchase products made from natural materials such as wood or glass rather than plastic as these do not contain any dangerous chemicals like phthalates.

All in all, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers posed by products containing phthalate compounds. By reading labels carefully before purchasing items and avoiding anything labelled “fragrance” or “perfume” you can help ensure that you are not exposed to these potentially hazardous chemicals unnecessarily. Additionally it may be beneficial to switch over to natural materials such as wood or glass whenever possible as these do not contain any harmful substances like those found in plastic products that could adversely affect your health over time. Taking steps like these will help protect you from any potential harm caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals like phthalates.