Which plastics have phthalates?
Phthalates are also widely used in flexible polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC), such as plastic bags, garden hoses, inflatable recreational toys, blood-storage containers, intravenous tubing, and some pharmaceutical and pesticide products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are phthalates harmful?
Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
Are phthalates in all plastic?
Weirdly, not all soft plastic contains phthalates. Most plastic wraps, water bottles, and food containers are phthalate-free.
How can you tell if plastic has phthalates?
One easy way to recognize plastic toys, clothing, bottles, food and beverage storage containers, and/or food wrap that may contain phthalate compounds is to look for the number 3 inside the universal recycling symbol usually molded into the plastic on the bottom of the product.
Which plastic should be avoided?
Dr. Trasande recommended avoiding items labeled 3 for phthalates, 6 for styrene and 7 for bisphenols. (Styrene, which is found in Styrofoam and other plastic products, is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Do phthalates cause birth defects?
Prenatal exposure phthalates would disrupt the levels of thyroid, sex hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in pregnant women or offspring, which results in preterm birth, preeclampsia, maternal glucose disorders, infant cryptorchidism, infant hypospadias, and shorter anogenital distance in newborns, as well as growth …
What foods are high in phthalates?
Food is the leading source of exposure. Phthalates have been found in dairy products, meats, fish, oils & fats, baked goods, infant formula, processed foods, and fast foods.
Does Number 1 plastic have phthalates?
Not known to contain BPa or phthalates. REfill thOsE cODE 1 BOttlEs? Plastic used for code 1 bottles also contains a metal called antimony, a possible carcinogen.”
What is the safest plastic for food?
While it’s always important to follow specific guidelines related to food storage, temperature and recycling, the following plastics are generally very safe for food contact.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Polypropylene (PP)
What products contain phthalates?
Other common products that may contain Phthalates are plastic bags, detergents, vinyl siding, air fresheners, paints, and electrical insulation.
Why are phthalates so dangerous?
Phthalates are linked to breast and other cancers. They are linked to metabolic syndrome, a syndrome marked by a set of abnormalities of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and waistline that raises the risk of full-blown diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
How are phthalates made?
There are dozens of varieties of phthalate, which was first produced in the 1920s. They are made by reacting a chemical called phthalic anhydride with certain alcohols, which can be varied to give the end product specific characteristics.
Where do phthalates come from?
Phthalates are found in our food and water, too. They are in dairy products, possibly from the plastic tubing used to milk cows.
