Phthalatesare chemicals found in hundreds of products.
They are mainly used in plastics to help them become soft, flexible, and hard to break.
Most people’s exposure to phthalates comes from food sources and personal care products.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
This article will discuss phthalate uses, exposure, products containing phthalates, health effects, and more.
PVC is the most used plasticizer in the world.
It is present in piping, tubing, packing, wiring, and thousands of consumer goods.
Uses
Phthalates are sometimes called the everywhere chemical.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesnt discourage the use of all phthalates.
Skin absorption can occur from contact with shampoos, lotions, and other personal care items.
Studies also have found infants can consume unsafe levels of phthalates from their diets.
High phthalates have high permanency and durability.
Food
Studies have foundfast foodcan contain phthalates.
Other foods containing phthalates include dairy, meat, fish, oils and fats, and infant formula.
Some phthalates may be responsible for liver and kidney toxicity.This has been demonstrated in animal studies.
High phthalate levels in pregnancy could put unborn babies at risk for birth defects and growth problems.
A Word From Verywell
Phthalates are everywhere and almost everyone has been exposed to them.
If you are concerned about your phthalate exposure, you should do what you could to avoid these products.
Phthalates can sometimes be identified by their three- or four-letter chemical structure acronyms.
It is unlikely that you will find labels that clearly state that a product contains phthalates.
The medical community recognizes that exposure to phthalates is linked to a whole range of serious health conditions.
And while phthalate exposure is common, exposure by pregnant people and young children can cause the greatest harm.
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