Pthalates: What are they?
Pthalates are a family of man-made chemical compounds developed to be used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents and personal care products. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids that do not evaporate easily and do not chemically bind to the material they are added to. The compounds can be released at any time and all stages of the products lifestyle- from production, through use such as heating, agitating, and prolonged storing, to disposal. Since phthalate is coated on many plastics and in many of our personal care products, they can be ingested, inhaled, absorbed through our skin, and via intravenous injections whereupon they are quickly converted to their respective metabolites. Phthalate is also used as an additive to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products, like food packaging, shower curtains, childrens' toys, and building materials, to make them flexible, and in personal care products to make fragrances last longer.
Examples of materials that contain Pthalate:
nail polish
plastic containers
skin cream and lotions
fragrances
deodorant
hair products
body wash
wet wipes
face and body paint