| There are six different types of phthalates found | | | | 3. Use fragrance free detergents, household |
| in plastics; DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and | | | | cleaners, shampoos etc... whenever possible as |
| DnOP. These chemicals are used to make plastics | | | | phthalates are often used in perfume agents. |
| flexible and soft. Studies have found that | | | | Scent products such as household detergents |
| phthalate exposure affects male fetuses in utero, | | | | with organic essential oils instead. |
| causing reproductive problems. In women, | | | | 4. Buy foods packaged in glass instead of plastic |
| phthalates are associated with increase risk of | | | | or cans.Canned food and plastic water bottles are |
| endometriosis. Phthalates are also an air quality | | | | heavily contaminated with phthalates as well as |
| factor for asthma and allergies. Avoiding | | | | other chemicals. This is almost impossible to do |
| phthalates is difficult because the chemicals are so | | | | consistently, but if there are alternatives |
| pervasive, but there are some ways to minimize | | | | packaged in glass, buy them. |
| exposure. | | | | 5. Eliminate Tupperware and other plastic food |
| 1. Check product labels for the phrase 'phthalate | | | | storage containers. Microwaving food in plastic |
| free'. | | | | allows chemicals to leach into food. Replace plastic |
| 2. Discard plastic toys manufactured in 1999 or | | | | containers with glass food storage containers. |
| earlier. After 1999 most toy manufacturers | | | | There are glass containers on the market that |
| stopped using phthalates in their toys. It's also a | | | | can be used in the freezer, oven and microwave. |
| good practice to purchase toys made of natural | | | | Because phthalates are so prevalent throughout |
| materials such as wood and cloth whenever | | | | the food chain and in the day-to-day products |
| possible as a) this is a more sustainable, earth | | | | used in every household, elimination is difficult, if |
| friendly practice that keeps plastic out of landfills | | | | not impossible. However, reducing exposure is a |
| and b) is the only way to be sure toys don't | | | | step in the right direction and will have positive |
| contain phthalates. | | | | effects on family health. |