You’ve probably heard about phthalates and the warnings to avoid them, but what exactly are they, and why should you be concerned? Phthalates are chemicals found in many products we use daily, from personal care items to household goods. Because they are so widespread, avoiding exposure is difficult. But what does this mean for your health?

What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of fat-soluble chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1930s. (1) They are commonly added to plastics to increase flexibility, durability, and longevity. They can also be used to make scents last longer. Unfortunately, a loophole in federal law allows phthalates (and other chemicals) to be added to fragrances without disclosure to consumers, often listed simply as “fragrance” or “parfum” on labels. (2)

Phthalates aren’t chemically bound to the products they are added to, meaning they can easily leach into the environment, leading to significant human exposure. (2)

Health Implications

Research has linked phthalate exposure to several health concerns. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable due to their developing bodies and greater exposure relative to their body weight.

– Endocrine Disruption: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems, leading to reproductive issues, thyroid dysfunction, and developmental problems. (3,4)

– Reproductive Health: In adults, phthalate exposure has been associated with reduced fertility, lower sperm quality, and altered hormone levels. (5-7)

– Respiratory Issues: Exposure to phthalates in indoor air has been linked to asthma and other respiratory problems, particularly in children. (8)

– Cognitive and Developmental Issues: Early exposure has been associated with developmental delays and lower IQ scores. (9,10)

– Cancer Risk: Phthalates are linked to increased risks of osteosarcoma, breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer. (11-14)

Where and How Are Phthalates Found?

Phthalates are almost everywhere. From your shower curtain to shampoo, toothpaste, clothing, and even coffee creamer, daily exposure is common. They are so prevalent that a CDC study from 1999-2000 found metabolites of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in nearly all urine samples tested. (1,15)

Common sources of exposure include:

  • Vinyl flooring
  • Shower Curtains
  • Plastic Toys
  • Food Packaging
  • Cosmetics and personal care products (such as nail polish, hairspray, and perfumes)
  • Medical Devices

Routes of Phthalate Exposure:

Inhalation

Phthalates can evaporate into the air, especially in indoor environments where many plastic products are present. This makes inhalation a significant route of exposure.

Ingestion

Phthalates can leach into food and beverages from plastic packaging, especially when heated. Children are particularly at risk as they often put plastic toys and other objects in their mouths.

Dermal Absorption

Personal care products containing phthalates can be absorbed through the skin. Regular use of these products can contribute to chronic exposure.

Medical Procedures

Phthalates are present in various medical devices such as IV bags and tubing, posing a risk during medical treatments.

5 Tips to Limit Phthalate Exposure

Reducing your exposure to phthalates can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Choose Phthalate-Free Products: Look for personal care products and cosmetics labeled as “phthalate-free.” Beware of “greenwashing” and be sure to read labels.

2. Avoid Plastics When Possible: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers instead of plastic for food storage and heating. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.

3. Ventilate Your Home: Improve indoor air quality by regularly ventilating your home and using air purifiers to reduce airborne phthalates.

4. Be Mindful of Children’s Toys:  Choose toys made of natural materials like wood or cloth instead of plastic.

5. Check Labels:  Be aware of ingredients like “fragrance” or “parfum” in personal care products, which may indicate the presence of phthalates.

Phthalate Free

Detoxing with FIR Saunas

A study compared concentrations of phthalate compounds and their respective metabolites in blood, urine, and sweat to evaluate the levels in the body and how they are eliminated.  Some of the phthalate compounds were shown to be eliminated primarily in urine, and many were found to have a high incidence of excretion in sweat. In some instances the compounds were detected in sweat, when not detected in blood, suggesting there may be release of bioaccumulated phthalates from storage sites, in addition to or may originate from circulating phthalates. (16)  

An effective way to help your body eliminate toxins, including phthalates, is by using Far Infrared (FIR) saunas. FIR saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, which can induce sweating and promote detoxification. In addition to detoxification, FIR saunas can also improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

couple in tr2 hemlock infrared sauna

Conclusion

Phthalates are a hidden but significant health concern, given their widespread presence in everyday products and their potential to disrupt our bodies’ delicate hormonal balance. By taking proactive steps to limit your exposure, supporting your body’s natural detox processes, and using a far infrared sauna you can reduce the risks associated with these chemicals and protect your long-term health. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!

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  1. Environmental Working Group. (2023, December 13). Phthalates, phthalates everywhere. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/phthalates-phthalates-everywhere 
  2. Phthalates. Safe Cosmetics. (2022, April 21). https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/phthalates/ 
  3. Main, K. M., Mortensen, G. K., Kaleva, M. M., Boisen, K. A., Damgaard, I. N., Chellakooty, M., Schmidt, I. M., Suomi, A.-M., Virtanen, H. E., Petersen, J. H., Andersson, A.-M., Toppari, J., & Skakkebæk, N. E. (2006). Human breast milk contamination with phthalates and alterations of endogenous reproductive hormones in infants three months of age. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(2), 270–276. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8075 
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  6. Zhu, Y., Han, X., Wang, X., Ge, T., Liu, H., Fan, L., Li, L., Su, L., & Wang, X. (2022). Effect of the phthalates exposure on sex steroid hormones in the US population. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 231, 113203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113203 
  7. Duty, S. M., Singh, N. P., Silva, M. J., Barr, D. B., Brock, J. W., Ryan, L., Herrick, R. F., Christiani, D. C., & Hauser, R. (2003). The relationship between environmental exposures to phthalates and DNA damage in human sperm using the neutral comet assay. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(9), 1164–1169. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.5756 
  8. Jaakkola, J. J. K., & Knight, T. L. (2008). The role of exposure to phthalates from polyvinyl chloride products in the development of asthma and allergies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(7), 845–853. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.10846 
  9. Engel, S. M., Patisaul, H. B., Brody, C., Hauser, R., Zota, A. R., Bennet, D. H., Swanson, M., & Whyatt, R. M. (2021). Neurotoxicity of ortho-phthalates: Recommendations for critical policy reforms to protect brain development in children. American Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 687–695. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2020.306014 
  10. Zhang, Q., Chen, X.-Z., Huang, X., Wang, M., & Wu, J. (2019). The association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and cognition and Neurobehavior of children-evidence from birth cohorts. NeuroToxicology, 73, 199–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2019.04.007 
  11. Ahern, T. P., Spector, L. G., Damkier, P., Öztürk Esen, B., Ulrichsen, S. P., Eriksen, K., Lash, T. L., Sørensen, H. T., & Cronin-Fenton, D. P. (2022). Medication–associated phthalate exposure and childhood cancer incidence. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 114(6), 885–894. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac045 
  12. Dairkee, S. H., Moore, D. H., Luciani, M. G., Anderle, N., Gerona, R., Ky, K., Torres, S. M., Marshall, P. V., & Goodson III, W. H. (2023). Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects. Chemosphere, 322, 138014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138014 
  13. López-Carrillo, L., Hernández-Ramírez, R. U., Calafat, A. M., Torres-Sánchez, L., Galván-Portillo, M., Needham, L. L., Ruiz-Ramos, R., & Cebrián, M. E. (2010). Exposure to phthalates and breast cancer risk in northern Mexico. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(4), 539–544. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.0901091 
  14. Zhu, M., Huang, C., Ma, X., Wu, R., Zhu, W., Li, X., Liang, Z., Deng, F., Wu, J., Geng, S., Xie, C., & Zhong, C. (2018). Phthalates promote prostate cancer cell proliferation through activation of ERK5 and p38. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 63, 29–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2018.08.007
  15. Silva, M. J., Barr, D. B., Reidy, J. A., Malek, N. A., Hodge, C. C., Caudill, S. P., Brock, J. W., Needham, L. L., & Calafat, A. M. (2004). Urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites in the U.S. population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(3), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.6723  
  16. Genuis, S. J., Beesoon, S., Lobo, R. A., & Birkholz, D. (2012). Human elimination of phthalate compounds: Blood, urine, and Sweat (bus) study. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/615068