To begin our discussion of products we will not carry in our shop I wanted to start with Phthalates.

There are a now more and more products being advertised as Phthalate free, but I wondered how many of us actually have a grasp of what it is and why it is bad for us. This is the definition of a phthalate: A class of organic compounds containing phthalic acid esters [C6H4(COOR)2] and derivatives. Used as plasticizers in plastics. Also used in many other products (such as detergents, cosmetics) and industrial processes (such as defoaming agents during paper and paperboard manufacture, and dielectrics in capacitors).  (This is from a US government website, USGS.) The word organic in this definition can be misleading.

This is the definition from the Environmental Defense Site: Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals that are widely used as plasticizing additives in a broad range of consumer products, including cosmetic and personal care products, PVC consumer products and construction materials. These chemicals are also used in synthetic fragrances to extend the scents’ staying power. Phthalates are relatively persistent in the environment and have been found in drinking water, soil, household dust, wildlife, fatty foods (meat and dairy products) and in the blood and breast milk of people. Scientific research has shown that phthalates disrupt hormones, and can cause birth defects of male reproductive organs.

According to the Organic Consumers Association  research has shown that phthalates can “play havoc with the funtion of the human endocrine system and potentially cause a host of health problems, especially in children. In fact…studies found these toxins to be linked to childhood obesity &, because phthalates are hormone disrupters, they may also interfere with the normal development of baby boys’ genitalia.”

The Journal of Pediatrics sites a new study that suggests that phthalate exposure in the womb contributes ot low birthd weight in infants , is critical because low birth weight is the leading cause of death in children under five years of age, it increases the risk of cariovascular & metabolic disease as children grow up. To conduct this study scientists studied the first bowel movements of babies as well as the umbilllical cord blood, and found that the measurable levels of phthalates were found in more than 70% of the samples.

The problem is that phthalates are in so many of our products and are not marked clearly on labels, it is difficult to avoid them if you are not completely educated about them.

They are found in cosmetics, plastic products, shampoos & conditioners (even ones marked “natural”), they are found in deoderant hair gels, medical equipment, such as IV bags & tubing. They are in plastic dolls, inflatable toys, vinyl bibs, and baby care products among other things.

They can be listed on products as follows:

DEHP di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, DBP or DiBP di-n-butyl phthalate(found in nail polish products), DEP or diethyl phthalate, MEHP (monoethylhexyl phthalate),  PBT (polybutylene terephthalate),  and PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

If you decide that phthalates are something you would like to avoid then I suggest you become aware of the acronyms and definitely read labels. If we all purchase products that go out of their way to not include these then the manufacturers that do include them will be forced to change in order to be profitable.

We find phthalates an unnecessary ingredient which puts ourselves, our families and our environment at potential risk. Therefore, we choose only products that do not contain phthalates for Franklin Goose. Our philosophy is if it isn’t natural and it can be avoided then by all means avoid it.

How do you feel about phthalates? Are there other chemicals you avoid? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

-Sheri

Tags: organic products, phtalate free, phthalates