Phthalates
Bio-accumulative, Persistent and Endocrine Disrupting
How do you say it?
tha-lates
What are they?
A family of approx 120 industrial chemicals that are used as plastic softeners or solvents in many different consumer products. They can be found in most non-rigid plastics, shower curtains, wallpaper, adhesives, dyes, insect repellents, washing-up liquid, shampoo, hairspray, perfume, lipstick, moisturiser, nail varnish, paints and surface cleaners; and may still be used in items such as cling film and clothing (especially clothes with plastic-based transfers). Hence they can enter the water environment via the washing machine, bathroom, dishwasher or kitchen sink.
What’s the problem?
In the EU, two of the common phthalates were banned in 2004. A temporary ban on six phthalates, in toys that could be mouthed by babies, was made permanent in July 2005 due to concern over exposure to their toxicity during child development. They are suspected endocrine disruptors and have been implicated in feminisation and other reproductive problems in wildlife.
What else are they called?
The problem six are:
butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP)
di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) [1]
di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
di-isononyl phthalate (DINP)
di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)
What are the alternatives?
For most products that contain phthalates there are phthalate-free
products on the market that perform just as well. Avoid PVC products.
Natural,
plant-based personal care products are safer alternatives, see our shopping
links for help finding them.
Notes:
[1] This chemical is a Priority or Priority Hazardous Substances under
European Water Framework Directive
For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD