Avoid phthalates as much as possible

Green Ideas

By Rachel Laderman | For The Olympian • Published October 13, 2008

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Phthalates ("thay-lates") are chemicals used to make plastics soft and fragrances linger. Considered hormone disruptors, phthalates are suspected of having health impacts including interfering with the reproductive development of baby boys and causing asthma and allergies. The Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction determined that infants' exposure to phthalates is a "serious concern."

Phthalates are common in the home environment. They are released slowly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plastic products. We are exposed to phthalates by breathing them in or by swallowing dust particles they are stuck to. Because they're not bonded to the plastic, phthalates can move out of teethers, bath toys, and soft dolls and onto children's hands and mouths.

Phthalates wash down the shower drain, and enter waterways, groundwater, and soils. These synthetic chemicals persist in our environment.

• Avoid PVC plastics. It's identified by recycling symbol No. 3 with "PVC" or "vinyl."

• Not sure whether a product contains PVC or phthalates? Call the manufacturer's toll-free question line.

• If you inadvertently purchase a strong-smelling vinyl product, let it air out for several days before bringing indoors.

Here are alternatives to 10 common products containing phthalates:

1. Vinyl shower curtains: organic cotton or ethyl vinyl acetate.

2. Vinyl lunch boxes: metal and cloth lunch boxes.

3. Vinyl flooring: natural linoleum, cork, polyolefin.

4. Medical equipment: gloves, tubing, IV bags — see www.noharm.org/us/pvcDehp/hospitalsreducingpvc for list of hospitals that are reducing PVC and phthalates.

5. Vinyl toys: unfinished wood toys, cloth toys.

6. Personal care products: cosmetics, nail polish, shampoo — check the safety of your products at www.cosmeticdatabase.com; look for companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics at www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm.

7. Cleaners with "fragrance": clean with baking soda, vinegar, and liquid castile soap.