The Problem with Phthalates

Parabens aren’t the only ingredient of concern in personal care products. This past spring, the European Union issued a directive banning more than 1,100 hazardous substances from cosmetics, including phthalates. Phthalates such as DEHP, DMP, DEP and DBP are found in many items, including soft PVC plastic (or vinyl), and are used in cosmetics to retain elasticity. For example, phthalates in nail polish inhibit chipping by making the polish more flexible.

Like parabens, phthalates are endocrine disruptors. In the body, they become a circulating estrogen and disrupt the normal hormonal process. They have been linked to birth defects in children and low sperm counts in men, as well as breast cancer in women. The Web site nottoopretty.org is a clearinghouse of data on the phthalate issue and includes information on companies that have gone phthalate-free.

Another resource, chemicalbodyburden.org, contains more general information on the buildup of toxic chemicals in the body.

Multinational corporations are required to reformulate their products for the European market, but not all have agreed to do so for the U.S. market. “The bottom line for us is global reformulation,” says Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., executive director for the Breast Cancer Fund. “You can’t do less than that.” Companies may not wish to admit that they have used dangerous substances in their formulations. But, Rizzo says, “The companies that are ahead of the curve on this issue are going to have a tremendous advantage. There is a whole generation of consumers that are not going to want their kids exposed to these substances.”

—M.C.