Phthalates


 * Phthalates** are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are used to make plastics soft and flexible. They can be found in a variety of products including plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, baby care products, building materials, modeling clay, automobiles, cleaning materials and insecticides. They can be absorbed through the skin and can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation or medical injection. Phthalates have been found in indoor air and dust and have also been found in human urine and blood samples. Levels have been found highest in children ages 6-11 and in women. These have been found in human breast milk and urine. Young infants can also be exposed to high levels of phthalates. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors because of the effects they have on several hormonal systems like estrogen and androgen hormone systems. These also bind weakly to the androgen receptors which disrupts the cellular actions ordinarily created by the androgens. Phthalates have been found to show a disruption in the development and functioning of both male and female reproductive systems by interfering with the creation of testosterone and estradiol.