Monday, February 04, 2008

Health Risks of Phthalates

A new study on phthalates and infants has just been released. While this study may not explain everything it does show that phthalates are everywhere and the products we use cause them to enter our bodies. Phthalates are found in toys as they make plastic more flexible and are commonly found in cosmetics. The exposure to infants and children is likely through lotions and creams used by many parents without second thought. Bisphenol A is a phthalate and can leach from plastic containers into food and drink.

Phthalates can impact development and the reproductive system and who knows how they interact with the thousands of other chemicals we're exposed to. Also, industry groups and product manufacturers say the amounts people are exposed to in their products are safe. However, they rarely speak to the long-term exposure effects, the possibility of accumulating in our bodies and how they change over time as they react with other chemicals within our body.

As far as I am concerned this is more proof that the products on the shelf are not there because they have been proven to be safe. Just look at cigarettes.

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