Phthalates - when smelling good is a health hazard

Phthalates are sinister chemicals related to birth defects mainly in boys. Exposure to even small doses of these ingredients can cause defects in the male reproductive system of unborn babies according to various studies.

Sometimes called a "gender-bender" substance.

They are part of a group of chemicals that mimic reproductive hormones. Our bodies interpret their presence as an instruction to carry out certain growth activities.

Exposure to phthalates has been linked to feminization of boys and increased risk of early puberty and breast cancer in girls.

Phthalates are used to provide a pleasant fragrance to such items as nail polish, bathroom and kitchen cleaning fluids, air fresheners and shampoos.

Unfortunately avoiding them is not as easy as checking a label. Surprisingly, you will never see chemicals such as Phthalates listed on the ingredients list labels. They are often part of the scenting formula and as such are not required to be disclosed by the manufacturer.

How can you avoid phthalates? Unfortunately, they are widely found in perfumes and all kinds of scented products like lotion, shampoo, body sprays and shower gels.

Look for products that specifically indicate they do not contain phthalates and that specifically list all ingredients on their label - without using generalities such as "fragrances" or even "natural fragrances".

This video on Phthalates is important to watch......

If you can try to buy and use only scented products that list essential oils as ingredients.

A vague term on the label even including the term "naturally scented" can mean they are hiding something. You should avoid it.

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