Plastic is one of the most versatile materials in the world. Plastics are versatile, flexible, durable, and widely used. Even the word “plastic” comes from ancient Greek, which means to mold.
Plastics need certain additives to be flexible. Phthalates are one of them. Phthalates are a chemical compound that softens plastic. Plastics become more durable, flexible, and transparent.
These chemicals are used in PVC plastics, and are therefore known as "plasticizers". They are used in food packaging, food containers, and stretch films. Other contexts, such as food packaging and containers, also use them extensively. CosmeticsYou can also use household products like detergents.
They are very functional. However, some studies have linked these plasticizers to adverse health effects, such as reduced fertility.
What are the health risks of phthalates?
The main way people are exposed to phthalates is through food or beverages.
Some studies link this exposure to adverse health effects. Environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Dr. Shanna SWAN says these health problems are numerous and many of them occur before birth.
Swan, FoodNavigator: "The most significant health effect occurs when exposure occurs during pregnancy." Childhood exposure to phthalates is not well studied, but it also poses health risks.
Swan says phthalates can cause fertility problems. Swan said phthalates can reduce sperm counts in men.
She told us that "numerous studies have shown that phthalates disrupt the body's endocrine systems, which regulate the production and regulation of hormones."
They decrease endogenous sex steroids (testosterone, estrogen) and block the activity of thyroid hormones. Hormone disruption can cause a number of reproductive problems, including decreased fertility in both men and women.
In men, exposure to phthalates has been associated with decreased sperm count and motility and altered hormone levels. It has also been associated with ovulatory problems and reproductive problems in women.
Forever Chemicals
Food packaging may contain a variety of potentially hazardous substances, including phthalates. The chemical Forever is also called PFAS.Chemicals used to protect foods from grease and moisture. These chemicals can harm human health and are linked to cancer, liver disease, thyroid problems, and reproductive problems.
They reached food because of pesticides used on crops. Researchers have discovered that they are increasingly contaminating fruit and vegetables in Europe. Other searchesIt has been suggested that consumption of rice, coffee and eggs could lead to dangerously high levels of PFAS in humans.
Here is a list of An article from 2021According to Yufei Qian and Haifeng Wang, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system of pregnant women, children, and their reproductive systems. They also increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Phthalates have been shown to cross the blood-placental barrier and are the main route of exposure to the fetus.
The authors of the article suggest limiting the use of phthalates. For example, they suggest limiting their use in medical devices, packaging, and personal care products. It is better to consider less toxic alternatives, especially in the healthcare sector. It was recommended to use glass containers instead of plastic whenever possible.
What did the industry do?
2019 RevaluationThe European Food Safety Authority, in response to concerns about phthalates and their potential health risk, reviewed the effect of phthalates on fertility. The study concluded that high molecular weight phthalates such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP) do not pose a risk to food.
EFSA said that "the observed effects were not permanent and did not have adverse effects on reproductive function, fertility or development in animal experiments."
What is the difference between BPA and phthalates?
Bisphenol A is another chemical found in many plastics. It has also been found in plastics. Negative health effects linked to smokingThe European Union (EU) has implemented a number of policies aimed at reducing fertility and disrupting endocrine function. The European Union has Recently, the government sought to ban its use as food packaging.
How does it compare to phthalates? Swan says the effects of BPA are very similar to those of phthalates. She told FoodNavigator that “like phthalates,” urinary BPA was negatively linked to sperm count and concentration.
Research has shown that DEHP is a widely used class of phthalates and that dietary exposure accounted for 1.8 to 14 %. Highly exposed individuals consumed approximately 33 % from their diet.
Gennaro Dela Vecchia is the leader of the European plasticizers sector. He says the industry is moving away from low molecular weight (LMW) orthophthalates and towards high molecular weight (HMW) orthophthalates and other plasticizers.
FoodNavigator's Vecchia told FoodNavigator that more than €6 billion has been invested by the industry to ensure the use of safe plasticizers. The industry has invested more than €6 billion to ensure the use of safe plasticizers, Vecchia told FoodNavigator.
Many restrictions on phthalates have been imposed at the state level. The Wang and Qian paper reports that Europe has banned DEHP and BBP from all PVC and plasticized materials used in toys and childcare articles. DiNP, DiDP, and DnOP are also banned in products intended for children.
About 100 health facilities around the world have also restricted the use of PVC. Japan has banned the use of certain phthalates in children's toys. Australia and the United States have also banned products that contain more than a certain threshold of selected phthalates.
Health care
Phthalates and their impacts on human health
Publication date: May 18, 2021
Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050603
Authors: Y. Wang, H. Qian
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