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.
Phthalates in particular are a variety of EDC known as xenoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen when they are ingested or absorbed. Scientists have voiced concern over these compounds for a number of years as evidence has continued to accumulate highlighting their negative effects. Among the health problems that have been linked to xenoestrogens are allergies, asthma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, 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.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with 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.
Phthalates in particular are a variety of EDC known as xenoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen when they are ingested or absorbed. Scientists have voiced concern over these compounds for a number of years as evidence has continued to accumulate highlighting their negative effects. Among the health problems that have been linked to xenoestrogens are allergies, asthma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, 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.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
About the Author:
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