Phthalates Risks From
Everyday Plastics

What Are Phthalates?

They are a class of chemicals with a wide variety of applications. Indeed there are 25 common types. Their main use is as plasticizers, which increase the flexibility, transparency and durability of many plastics.

They readily leach or evaporate from plastic products due to a weak chemical bond with the underlying product material. While there are dozens of varieties, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. National Institute of Health, an independent team of private and government scientists, pinpointed one type—DEHP—as posing the greatest health threat. Another very common type--PETE—is a major component in recycle code number 1 plastic beverage bottles

They did so after an exhaustive first study in 1999-2000 and then again by reviewing over 150 scientific papers on this subject published between 2000 and 2005.

How Do We Ingest Them?

We ingest them when foods are packaged in number 3 PVC containers (particularly when the PVC is heated), through disposable plastic gloves worn by food handlers touching our food, through blood or other liquid transfusions that come into contact with plastic intravenous bags and tubes, and when small children chew on PVC plastic toys.

Also when number 1 plastic beverage bottles break down through reuse, via absorption from cosmetics and through dust from vinyl flooring, plastic shower curtains or plastic wall coverings.

Concentrations indoors can be 100-1,000 times more than outdoors.

What Are the Dangers?

Based on the findings of both the 2000 and 2005 NTP reports, as well as independent reports issued by the U.S. FDA, Health Canada and the European Commission, you should know the following:

Recognized Risks

Not at Risk

What You Can Do

Return From Phthalates to Going Green