Phthalates are used in a large variety of products, from enteric coatings of pharmaceutical pills, gelling agents, adhesives and glues, detergents, packaging, children's toys, modelling clay, waxes, paints, printing inks and coatings, pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles. Phthalates are also frequently used in soft plastic fishing lures, sex toys, caulk, paint pigments, shower curtains, vinyl upholstery, adhesives, floor tiles, food containers and wrappers, and cleaning materials. Personal-care items containing phthalates include perfume, eye shadow, moisturizer, nail polish, liquid soap, and hair spray. Items made of PVC and cosmetics may be the primary contributors.
So it is easy to see that people are commonly exposed to phthalates. In one study, CDC has found that people had the metabolites of multiple phthalates in their urine.
From the FDA webpage on the topic:
FDA reviewed the safety and toxicity data for phthalates, including the CDC data from 2001, as well as the CIR conclusions based on reviews in 1985 and 2002. While the CDC report noted elevated levels of phthalates excreted by women of child-bearing age, neither this report nor the other data reviewed by FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. Based on this information, FDA determined that there wasn’t a sound, scientific basis to support taking regulatory action against cosmetics containing phthalates.Here is the link to the CDC website on the topic.
Like BPA, there is controversy around the real risk associated with phthalates. And so what we can say is that where possible, we avoid risk. This is not always easy because many of the items where phthalates are used, do not have regulations that require them on the label. So on cosmetic items, especially fragrances, look for 'phthalate free'. Use plastic with recycling codes 1, 2, and 5. Throw out old plastic toys (pre-2010) or don't let little kids play with them (for you 'collectors'). Do not heat food in plastic containers. Sex toys....won't go there.
Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/10/us-health-pthalates-child-iq-idUSKBN0JO26620141210
Prenatal exposure to chemicals tied to lower IQ at age 7
By Kathryn Doyle
Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:20pm EST
(Reuters Health) - Children whose mothers were exposed to higher levels of phthalates, common chemicals in consumer products, in late pregnancy tend to score lower than other kids on intelligence tests at age seven, according to a new study.
Some soaps, nail polish, hairspray, shower curtains, raincoats, car interiors and dryer sheets contain phthalates, which are used as so-called plasticizers, or softening agents.
At present, the Food and Drug Administration does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk, but six types of phthalates are currently banned from children’s toys, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
