Uses: Phthalates are dangerous chemicals that are often found in plastic containers, food containers, certain children’s toys, bottled baby formula, and in certain products to make fragrances last longer.
Human Risks: Like parabens, phthalates increase your risk for cancer, infertility, and fetal development issues. But, unlike parabens, phthalates have been directly linked to diabetes and liver cancer, making it a potent carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). They can also cause early puberty in adolescents. Phthalates are an endocrine disruptor and can cause serious changes to how your body functions and even your DNA. Phthalates are so incredibly harmful that they have been banned in numerous countries, including all of the European Union, Canada, Japan, and China, yet they are still very commonly used in the U.S.
Environmental Risks: Phthalates are proven to be toxic to wildlife and can threaten water safety when exposed to water sources.
What to Avoid:. Choose products that are marked PVC-free. Avoid any product that has the word “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredient list. It doesn’t matter if the bottle says phthalate-free, it could still be in the fragrance. I know I sound like a broken record, but sustainable companies generally avoid all of the chemicals on my list, so check them out!