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.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The main worry about these chemicals concerns their capacity as endocrine disruptors. The body's endocrine system is absolutely vital to the normal functioning of a variety of processes and any interference of it can have serious consequences. EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) are believed to negatively affect (among other things) infant development, the immune system and brain function.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
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.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
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.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The main worry about these chemicals concerns their capacity as endocrine disruptors. The body's endocrine system is absolutely vital to the normal functioning of a variety of processes and any interference of it can have serious consequences. EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) are believed to negatively affect (among other things) infant development, the immune system and brain function.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
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.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
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.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
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