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.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
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.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
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.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
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.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
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.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
About the Author:
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