Even as recently as ten years ago, few consumers were aware of terms like phthalates, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. These days, thanks in part to the plethora of information on the internet, shoppers are much better educated and are keen to know exactly what goes into the products they buy. Pure, phthalate free skin care products and other more ethically-minded goods are now very much on the savvy consumer's radar, and with good reason.
Phthalates have been used widely in plastic goods since the 1950's, mainly to give otherwise hard, brittle plastics flexibility. They have also come to be used in an array of personal care goods mainly to aid lubrication, spreadability and skin penetration. They are also used to help stabilize fragrances and make them longer-lasting.
The main concern about these compounds arises from their effect as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body's endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones via a network of glands. These hormones play a critical role in the healthy functioning of the body and control processes such as metabolism of food, reproduction and growth. The adverse effects of EDCs include (among other things) problems relating to brain function, immunity and child development.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the harmfulness of phthalates has yet to be conclusively proven, there is certainly enough evidence to raise serious concern. Studies done on animals have shown links between these compounds and birth defects, low birth weight and low sperm count. Human research by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City is investigating a possible link between phthalates and early onset puberty.
At the current time, consumers who wish to avoid harmful compounds in their personal care purchases need to choose wisely. There are certainly a good variety of chemical-free goods now available, but making sure they are what they appear to be is not always straightforward. Some manufacturers are getting on the bandwagon and marketing products that are not as chemical-free as they would have us believe.
They use buzz words like 'organic' or 'paraben-free' but may still contain toxic additives. Determining the presence of phthalates in particular can be difficult since manufacturers aren't required to list them on their labeling. Even if they are not explicitly listed as ingredients, they may still be present in the product's fragrance. To be absolutely sure, you could try contacting the manufacturer or checking out their website for confirmation.
An additional complication stems from the containers that manufacturers use. These are often made from phthalate-containing plastic even if the product itself is free of them. Over time, phthalates will seep into whatever substance they are in close contact with and contaminate it. Conscientious manufacturers usually use phthalate-free packaging, but again, consumers may need to do some research to be 100% sure that what they're buying really is as non-toxic as it is claimed to be.
Phthalates have been used widely in plastic goods since the 1950's, mainly to give otherwise hard, brittle plastics flexibility. They have also come to be used in an array of personal care goods mainly to aid lubrication, spreadability and skin penetration. They are also used to help stabilize fragrances and make them longer-lasting.
The main concern about these compounds arises from their effect as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body's endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones via a network of glands. These hormones play a critical role in the healthy functioning of the body and control processes such as metabolism of food, reproduction and growth. The adverse effects of EDCs include (among other things) problems relating to brain function, immunity and child development.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the harmfulness of phthalates has yet to be conclusively proven, there is certainly enough evidence to raise serious concern. Studies done on animals have shown links between these compounds and birth defects, low birth weight and low sperm count. Human research by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City is investigating a possible link between phthalates and early onset puberty.
At the current time, consumers who wish to avoid harmful compounds in their personal care purchases need to choose wisely. There are certainly a good variety of chemical-free goods now available, but making sure they are what they appear to be is not always straightforward. Some manufacturers are getting on the bandwagon and marketing products that are not as chemical-free as they would have us believe.
They use buzz words like 'organic' or 'paraben-free' but may still contain toxic additives. Determining the presence of phthalates in particular can be difficult since manufacturers aren't required to list them on their labeling. Even if they are not explicitly listed as ingredients, they may still be present in the product's fragrance. To be absolutely sure, you could try contacting the manufacturer or checking out their website for confirmation.
An additional complication stems from the containers that manufacturers use. These are often made from phthalate-containing plastic even if the product itself is free of them. Over time, phthalates will seep into whatever substance they are in close contact with and contaminate it. Conscientious manufacturers usually use phthalate-free packaging, but again, consumers may need to do some research to be 100% sure that what they're buying really is as non-toxic as it is claimed to be.
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