At Hello, Charlie! we’re often talking about products that are ‘phthalate-free’. But what are phthalates and why should we be concerned about them?

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are plasticizers - chemicals added to plastics to make the plastic softer, or more transparent, more durable or simply to make them last longer. They are frequently used to soften polyvinyl chloride, otherwise know as PVC or vinyl.

Phthalates are easily released into the environment, because there is no chemical bonding between the phthalates and the plastics with which they are mixed. The release of phthalates accelerates as the plastics begin to breakdown and age. Once outside, phthalates begin to degrade and therefore the concentration of phthalates indoors is higher than outdoors.

Humans are widely exposed to phthalates, simply because PVC is such a ubiquitous plastic. It is found in floor coverings and furnishings, children’s products such as toys and bottles, and packaging such as plastic wrap and disposable bottles. Cosmetics and scented products such as soaps, shampoos and nail polish can also contain phthalates.

Why should we be concerned?

Phthalates are thought to be endocrine disrupters (hormone disrupters) which have been linked to genital and reproductive abnormalities. They have also been linked to asthma and allergies.

Little information is available on the health effects of phthalates in humans, but studies show widespread human exposure to phthalates. The research isn’t conclusive, and as ever, the findings differ according to which interests are paying for the research. However, there is enough concern about phthalates for them to have been banned in certain products, including toys, in Europe since 2005 and more recently, the US states of California, New York and Washington, among others, have proposed bans on phthalates in children’s toys.

What is being done about it in Australia?

Australia’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) is currently conducting its own risk assessment on common phthalates used in Australia, with a particular focus on toys, childcare articles and cosmetics. NICNAS is the Australian Government regulator of industrial chemicals.

In January 2010 a ban on diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was proposed by the Australian Government, relating to toys, childcare articles where significant mouth contact may occur, and eating utensils for feeding infants.

For more information, see NICNAS’s information sheet: http://www.nicnas.gov.au/Publications/Information_Sheets/Existing_Chemical_Information_Sheets/ECIS_DEHP_PDF.pdf

How can I avoid phthalates?

More manufacturers and suppliers are becoming aware of consumer concern in relation to phthalates. Look for products that are advertised as being ‘phthalate free’ or that are produced in Europe (where phthalates in children’s toys have been banned since 2005).

Try to  use natural products where possible, for example wooden toys, rather than plastic, and glass bottles or containers. Don’t use plastic wrap, or re-use single use plastic containers. Avoid PVC.

Hello, Charlie! will shortly be publishing a cheat sheet on ‘How to Avoid Phthalates’, so keep your eye on the blog.

Further reading and links to articles about phthalates:

http://www.phthalates.com/

http://www.nicnas.gov.au/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120640378503760985.html

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09121.html

http://www.enviroblog.org/2008/04/phthalate-induced-asthma-gasping-for-breath.html