Even as recently as ten years ago, few consumers were aware of terms like phthalates, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. These days, thanks in part to the plethora of information on the internet, shoppers are much better educated and are keen to know exactly what goes into the products they buy. Pure, phthalate free skin care products and other more ethically-minded goods are now very much on the savvy consumer's radar, and with good reason.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The main concern about these compounds arises from their effect as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body's endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones via a network of glands. These hormones play a critical role in the healthy functioning of the body and control processes such as metabolism of food, reproduction and growth. The adverse effects of EDCs include (among other things) problems relating to brain function, immunity and child development.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
They use buzz words like 'organic' or 'paraben-free' but may still contain toxic additives. Determining the presence of phthalates in particular can be difficult since manufacturers aren't required to list them on their labeling. Even if they are not explicitly listed as ingredients, they may still be present in the product's fragrance. To be absolutely sure, you could try contacting the manufacturer or checking out their website for confirmation.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The main concern about these compounds arises from their effect as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body's endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones via a network of glands. These hormones play a critical role in the healthy functioning of the body and control processes such as metabolism of food, reproduction and growth. The adverse effects of EDCs include (among other things) problems relating to brain function, immunity and child development.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
They use buzz words like 'organic' or 'paraben-free' but may still contain toxic additives. Determining the presence of phthalates in particular can be difficult since manufacturers aren't required to list them on their labeling. Even if they are not explicitly listed as ingredients, they may still be present in the product's fragrance. To be absolutely sure, you could try contacting the manufacturer or checking out their website for confirmation.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
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