Other Toxic Substances - Phthalates: Chemicals Found in Shampoo, Plastic Toys Harmful in Pregnancy

New research has discovered that exposure to phthalates in the prenatal period can increase the risk of mental, psychomotor and behavioral problems.

One of the biggest problems inherent to this study is that this group of chemicals are not rare.

In fact phthalates are found in everyday household products such as hair spray, shampoo, nail polish, adhesives, detergents, plastic toys, raincoats, wall coverings and food packaging.

Phthalates are called plasticizers because they make plastics more flexible as well as their use as a solvent.

Phthalates are known to interfere with the endocrine system. They have been shown to cause disruption in the male reproductive system, specially in reducing sperm count as well as testicular atrophy. Some research has even found links between phthalates and liver cancer.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends more testing of the effects of phthalates on infants and is currently working to pass a new federal Kid-Safe Chemicals Act. This act would revise the country's toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals such as phthalates are safe for babies, children and other at-risk groups before they are approved for use.

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Other Toxic Substances: Phthalates - Is your shampoo making you fat?

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Doctors at the Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York claim that phthalates, chemical ingredients in 70 percent of cosmetics as well as many household cleaning products, have been shown to throw the body’s natural weight control system, a delicate balance of hormones, off kilter.

They suggest that exposure to phthalates through daily use may be linked to childhood obesity and weight problems in adults.

“The heaviest girls have the highest levels of phthalates in their urine,” says Professor Philip Landrigan, a paediatrician and the study author. “It goes up as the children get heavier, but it’s most evident in the heaviest kids.”

The Rochester scientists analysed the urine, blood samples and other data of 1,451 men. They found that those with the highest level of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance and suggested that depressed testosterone levels due to chemicals was the underlying cause of their weight gain.

“If you put something on your skin, you absorb it and you need to find a brand that doesn’t use phthalates or any chemicals. The science against them is strong.” - Daily Mail