Phthalates, definition of

Used in vinyl products to make them softer and more flexible; also in cosmetics, fragrances, food wraps, and other products. In baby boys, exposure to phthalates can likely increase the risk of birth defects and hormone changes. In men, they likely increase the risk of reproductive problems and hormone changes. The U.S. government regulates industrial discharges of phthalates, but they are unregulated in food products, cosmetics, and consumer and medical products.

• Your macaroni and cheese could contain harmful chemicals banned in children's toys
  Around 10 years ago, chemicals called phthalates were banned from children's toys. But researchers recently detected them in food children (and all of us) commonly eat: macaroni and cheese. Phthalates can disrupt hormones and have been connected to birth...
• Your macaroni and cheese could contain harmful industrial chemicals
  Around 10 years ago, chemicals called phthalates were banned from children's toys. But researchers recently detected them in food children (and all of us) commonly eat: macaroni and cheese. Phthalates can disrupt hormones and have been connected to birth...
• Home Depot to phase out use of toxic phthalates in vinyl flooring
  Various forms of ortho-phthalate chemicals have been associated with developmental and reproductive problems—especially in male infants—and linked to liver tumors in animals...
• Study Finds Industrial Chemicals in Supermarket Foods
  Photo via Shutterstock The next time you take a trip to the grocery store and pick up a prepackaged meal, there may be more to worry about then just the calorie count on the outside of the box...
• Study Finds Ants Are Contaminated With Phthalates, a Widespread Plastic Additive
  Chemical compounds known as phthalates are used as plasticizers and softeners in products ranging from vinyl to cosmetics. They’re suspected of being endocrine disrupters (substances that interfere with the way hormones work), and the CDC has cautioned...
• New Research Links Phthalates to Type 2 Diabetes
  Diabetic is doing a glucose – Image from Shutterstock Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are used in plastics, fragrances and a variety of other consumer products...
• Silent Spring Institute: Mislabeled Consumer Products Contain Harmful Chemicals
  We all know that many common household items contain toxins that are known hormone disruptors and are linked with asthma and other health issues, but avoiding those products might be more difficult than previously thought...
• Meal Time Will Be Out of This World with the Stark Trek Enterprise Feeding System
  Want to get your little one excited about mealtime? Embrace your inner Trekkie while keeping your kids entertained with this Star Trek-themed spoon and bib set...
• Did You Know That Plant-Based Bottles by PepsiCo and Coke are Actually Not Biodegradable?
  We badly wanted to believe that plant-based PET bottles would solve our plastic woes, but that is not the case, according to a recent Slate story. Although PepsiCo’s 100% plant-based PET bottles have a lower carbon footprint and use renewable sources,...
• Poisons in Our Homes
  We must stop poisoning our water, our environment, our air, ourselves and our children. The law that should protect us, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), became law in 1976. New legislation has been proposed that will address the weaknesses in...