Phthalates – tough to pronounce and even tougher on your health. These sneaky chemicals are often found in everyday cleaning products, personal care items and plastics – and they can raise serious health concerns.
On the growing list of side effects, you’ll find hormonal disruption, reproductive health issues, respiratory problems and skin irritation. There are also links to conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). And it’s not just our health at risk; phthalates can also bioaccumulate in wildlife, posing broader environmental threats.
So what can we do about it? Understanding the risks of phthalates and making informed choices can help protect your family’s health and well-being. Here’s what you need to know.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are chemicals with various uses. They help preserve scents in fragrances, make plastics flexible and durable, and assist lotions and cosmetics in absorbing into the skin.
However, further research into phthalates has started to reveal alarming health concerns. These once-glorified chemicals are lurking in our household products and could be doing much more harm than good.
Here’s a closer look at some common types of phthalates:
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): The go-to plasticiser in everything from medical devices to shower curtains. DEHP is also common in car products, footwear and food packaging.
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): You’ll find this in nail polish and cosmetics to extend durability. DBP is also present in PVC plastics, latex adhesives and dye solvents.
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP): This phthalate is usually found in fragrances and personal care products. It binds scents and extends their shelf life.
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): The chemical is found in vinyl flooring, artificial leather and garden products to add flexibility.
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP): A potentially harmful duo found in toys, flooring and other everyday plastic items. They work by helping plastics bend without breaking.
Which common household cleaning products contain phthalates?
Now that we know the acronyms, what products might you already have in your cupboard? Phthalates are often hidden in cleaning products under vague labels like ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’, making them hard to identify. Here are some common cleaning products that may contain phthalates:
- Air fresheners: Plug-ins, sprays and gels frequently use phthalates to stabilise and prolong fragrances. Examples include many generic or non-eco-friendly air fresheners marketed as ‘long-lasting’.
- Multi-purpose cleaners: All-purpose sprays or liquids with added fragrances may use phthalates to bind scents to the formula.
- Dishwashing liquids: Some dishwashing liquids incorporate phthalates in their fragrances.
- Laundry detergents and fabric softeners: Fragranced laundry products, including detergents, dryer sheets and fabric softeners, often rely on phthalates for scent stability.
- Floor cleaners: Vinyl or tile cleaners with added scents may include phthalates. Specialty floor polishes or cleaners designed for hardwood and tile with strong scents are typical examples.
- Bathroom cleaners: Products like toilet cleaners, shower sprays and glass cleaners with fragrances often contain phthalates.
Other places you may find phthalates around your home
- Personal care products: Shampoos, conditioners, lotions and cosmetics often use phthalates to help fragrances last longer and improve the products’ texture.
- Plastic food containers: Phthalates make plastics more flexible, which is why they’re commonly found in food storage containers, plastic wraps, and even some food preparation gloves.
- Children’s toys: Soft plastic toys and teething rings often contain phthalates, making them pliable and durable.
- Vinyl flooring and wall coverings: Phthalates are used in vinyl flooring and wall coverings to make them more durable.
- Medical devices: Phthalates are found in some medical devices, such as IV bags and tubing, to make the plastic flexible.
Health risks associated with phthalates
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with your body’s hormonal system, leading to various health concerns. The European Union has already taken action, banning all phthalates classified as reprotoxic in children’s toys and implementing more stringent classification and labelling requirements in other products. Australia has banned DEHP in all children’s items, highlighting just how severe these chemicals are.
Here are some of the health risks associated with phthalates:
Hormonal regulation
Phthalates can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially affecting thyroid function, insulin levels and reproductive hormones critical for bodily balance.
Reproductive health concerns
Phthalates are linked to fertility issues, including lower sperm counts and disrupted ovarian function, possibly increasing risks during pregnancy.
Respiratory issues
Phthalate exposure may aggravate asthma and allergies, with studies showing an increased prevalence of wheezing and asthma symptoms.
Skin irritation
Contact with phthalates in fragranced products can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis.
Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Hormonal imbalances triggered by phthalates may contribute to conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, both of which are tied to disrupted estrogen and androgen pathways.
Chronic conditions
Higher risks of type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma and certain cancers, including breast and thyroid cancer, have been linked to phthalates.
How to avoid phthalates in your home
Phthalates can sneak into our homes through numerous sources, including cleaning products, personal care items, food packaging and even household dust.
Being mindful of ingredients like phthalates when shopping for cleaning products is essential. By choosing safer alternatives, you’re protecting your family’s health and contributing to environmental sustainability.
How to identify phthalates
- Check the ingredients: Look for terms like ‘fragrance’, ‘parfum’ or ‘perfume’ which may contain phthalates.
- Avoid excessive plastic packaging: Products with plastic-heavy packaging are more likely to use phthalate-stabilised formulas.
- Find eco-friendly brands: At OurEco Clean we use food-grade and plant-based ingredients in all of our cleaning products. We make it our purpose and mission to reduce toxic chemicals in homes.
Safer natural alternatives you can trust
Natural cleaning alternatives and eco-friendly food preparation products are becoming increasingly popular, offering a safe way to keep your home clean without the dangers associated with phthalates.
Choosing eco-friendly products from reliable brands can help you minimise these chemicals and create a healthier living space.
Make the switch to create a healthier home and planet. Shop our eco-friendly products today.