Phthalates, “Fragrance” and Pregnancy
March 11, 2009
ARE YOU WONDERING HOW PHTHALATES AND “FRAGRANCE” MAY AFFECT YOUR PREGNANCY? SEE ARTICLE BELOW…
Phthalates:
Phthalates are another common plasticizer, which are found en-mass in everything from nail polish to body lotions, i-pods, to soft plastic toys so it is in all reality impossible to avoid them.
Phthalates are also identified as a key ingredient in:
- Solvents (i.e. conventional paints, adhesives, paint strippers, nail polish remover etc.)
- Synthetic “Fragrance”, otherwise known as Diethyl Phthalate or DEP (i.e. air fresheners, scented candles, cosmetic “fragrance”, household “fragrance”)
- Plastics (Can leach out of plastic dishes, bottles etc. when microwaved or put through the dishwasher.)
- PVC or Vinyl (i.e. “Rubber Duckie”, shower curtains, bath toys etc.).
Phthalates are added to plastics to make them soft and flexible.
Phthalates have been identified by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) as a “cause of concern”, and studies have identified Phthalatesto:
* Endocrine Disrupters
* Genital Abnormalities in Baby Boys
* Asthma and Allergies
While we cannot avoid Phthalates altogether, we can reduce our exposure to them. Click HERE to see suggestions from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
“Fragrance”
There is another culprit in our cosmetic and household products called “fragrance”. If you turn over your (insert cosmetic name here) you will most likely see an ingredient “fragrance”. But what exactly is“fragrance”?
Essentially “fragrance” is a preserving chemical or masking chemical that can be any chemical or additive that the product manufacturer would like. By law companies are supposed to list all ingredients on their product, but because that would be disclosing trade secrets “fragrance” is a loophole that allows manufacturers to put almost any ingredient in their formula without disclosing it.
“Fragrance” is often times one of the following ingredients:
- Formaldehyde
- Diethylhexyl Phthalate
- Coal Tar
- Toluene
Unfortunately “fragrance”, similar to chemicals such as parabens, are linked to:
- Cancer
- Reproductive Harm (such as Birth Defects)
- Asthma
“Fragrance” is also found in many of the household items we use everyday such as:
- Laundry detergents
- Synthetic household cleaners
- Air Freshener
- Scented Candles
to name a few.
Don’t be fooled by labels either, if it says “unscented” that does not necessarily mean that it is free of “fragrance” it often means there is just another additive in the formulation to mask the fragrant smell.
Cosmetics database has a great video, which is short but gives a detailed look on the topic of fragrance titles “What is Fragrance”?
Why is this so important during Pregnancy and Lactation? There are a couple of reasons.
- Many of the studies cited above found the presence of these chemicals in Breast milk.
- These chemicals can cross the placenta to the fetus.
- Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to the effects of chemicals.
- Because these products are found in high levels in long-wear cosmetics (i.e. moisturizer, shampoo, nail polish, makeup etc.) exposure levels remain consistently higher in women.
What’s more, baby and children’s products contain these ingredients as well. Click HERE to see our complete list of recommendations for baby skincare products
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