Mar 24, 2022 09:33 PM
(This post was last modified: Mar 25, 2022 05:57 PM by C C.)
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/genera...late-fears
EXCERPTS: . . . The story, however, is different when it comes to compounds such as phthalates. These widely used chemicals make plastics, mostly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), soft and pliable, so they find extensive use [...] It comes as no surprise that with phthalates being ubiquitous, they can be detected in our bloodstream and urine. The question is whether this has any significant health consequence.
Phthalates constitute a large group of compounds with different properties. Some, especially the lower molecular weight ones, have been shown in rodent trials to interfere with the function of androgens, the male hormones. A human study made a big splash with its finding that women who had higher blood levels of phthalates gave birth to male babies with a reduced distance between the anus and the genitals, seemingly a consequence of hormonal disruption. Phthalates have also been linked with decreasing sperm counts, neurodevelopmental impairment in children and increased risk of asthma and allergies. However, these are all associations and are not proof of a cause and effect relationship. The presence of a chemical cannot be equated to the presence of risk. But such associations do mean that further investigation is warranted.
A couple of relevant studies have recently emerged. [...] There was no implication of any link to disease, but the findings highlight that exposure to phthalates is multi-faceted.
While the evidence for phthalates being implicated in human ailments is inconclusive, given their possible hormone disrupting properties and their presence in body fluids, a reduction in exposure is in order. Some of the more troublesome phthalates have been removed from products by manufacturers, but a greater emphasis on replacing phthalates with alternatives is needed.
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot that consumers can do. The main exposure to phthalates is likely through food, from the packaging and plastic equipment used in processing. A diet that relies less on processed foods reduces exposure, as does avoidance of scented cleaning agents and personal care products. Phthalate free shower curtains, floor tiles and plastic toys are available. Keep in mind, though, that phthalates are just one family of compounds about which safety issues can be raised. Bisphenols, perfluoroalkyl substances, parabens and pesticide residues are others.
But remember that chicken soup made with fresh vegetables and organic, free range chicken can still deluge the urine with plenty of compounds that could be vilified the same way as phthalates if one cared to make the effort... (MORE - missing details)
EXCERPTS: . . . The story, however, is different when it comes to compounds such as phthalates. These widely used chemicals make plastics, mostly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), soft and pliable, so they find extensive use [...] It comes as no surprise that with phthalates being ubiquitous, they can be detected in our bloodstream and urine. The question is whether this has any significant health consequence.
Phthalates constitute a large group of compounds with different properties. Some, especially the lower molecular weight ones, have been shown in rodent trials to interfere with the function of androgens, the male hormones. A human study made a big splash with its finding that women who had higher blood levels of phthalates gave birth to male babies with a reduced distance between the anus and the genitals, seemingly a consequence of hormonal disruption. Phthalates have also been linked with decreasing sperm counts, neurodevelopmental impairment in children and increased risk of asthma and allergies. However, these are all associations and are not proof of a cause and effect relationship. The presence of a chemical cannot be equated to the presence of risk. But such associations do mean that further investigation is warranted.
A couple of relevant studies have recently emerged. [...] There was no implication of any link to disease, but the findings highlight that exposure to phthalates is multi-faceted.
While the evidence for phthalates being implicated in human ailments is inconclusive, given their possible hormone disrupting properties and their presence in body fluids, a reduction in exposure is in order. Some of the more troublesome phthalates have been removed from products by manufacturers, but a greater emphasis on replacing phthalates with alternatives is needed.
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot that consumers can do. The main exposure to phthalates is likely through food, from the packaging and plastic equipment used in processing. A diet that relies less on processed foods reduces exposure, as does avoidance of scented cleaning agents and personal care products. Phthalate free shower curtains, floor tiles and plastic toys are available. Keep in mind, though, that phthalates are just one family of compounds about which safety issues can be raised. Bisphenols, perfluoroalkyl substances, parabens and pesticide residues are others.
But remember that chicken soup made with fresh vegetables and organic, free range chicken can still deluge the urine with plenty of compounds that could be vilified the same way as phthalates if one cared to make the effort... (MORE - missing details)