What does phthalates do to your body?
Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
How long do phthalates stay in your body?
Once it enters your body, it breaks down into other chemicals, some of which are harmful. Diethyl phthalate and its breakdown products will leave your body mostly in the urine within about 2 days. Only small amounts of the compound or its breakdown products will remain in the tissues.
How do you test phthalates in your body?
Our urine test measures your near-term exposure for bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates through their metabolites. The levels detected in urine are typically indicative of exposure in the 24-48 hours prior to collecting the sample.
Are phthalates safe for humans?
U.S. EPA: Phthalates Harmful to Our Health “EPA is concerned about phthalates because of their toxicity and the evidence of pervasive human and environmental exposure to these chemicals… In animal studies, exposure to phthalates during fetal development results in adverse effects on the male reproductive system.
Do phthalates reduce testosterone?
Washington, DC—Men, women and children exposed to high levels of phthalates – endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and some personal care products – tended to have reduced levels of testosterone in their blood compared to those with lower chemical exposure, according to a new study published in the …
Can you remove phthalates?
Granular activated carbon filters should remove DEHP, which is the type of phthalate used in water pipes. Unfortunately, some sources claim that a percentage of water may pass through the carbon without filtration. A nano-filtration system is more expensive but possibly more reliable way to filter out phthalates.
Do phthalates cause permanent damage?
In animal testing, some phthalates caused malformations and permanent damage of the male reproductive system. These are the same phthalates that are currently sold in hair care products in some of the biggest brand names on the market. The only way to avoid exposure to phthalates is by carefully reading product labels.
How do you excrete phthalates?
Once they enter the body, phthalates undergo a series of phase I hydrolysis and phase II conjugation reactions and are subsequently excreted in feces and urine [15]. Existing literature suggests that phthalate clearance from the body is rapid and primarily via urinary excretion with only a slight cumulative potential.
Are phthalates in food?
Ortho-phthalates (phthalates) are a class of chemicals commonly found in many types of food — from fast food to fresh fruits and vegetables. The chemicals get into food mainly through packaging and food handling equipment, like cellophane, paper and paperboard, and plastic in contact with food.