A silent enemy lurking in the things you use: Let's learn about phthalates

Today we are talking about something that you cannot see, smell, or taste, but is present in hundreds of products you use every day, even in the food you eat. These are chemicals called phthalates. Simply put, these are chemicals used to soften and make plastic flexible. The surprising thing is that they are now also in our bodies. Research done in America has shown that almost everyone in the country has traces of these phthalates in their urine. So, are these phthalates really harmful to our health? Let's talk about this in depth.

What does research say about this?

Scientists believe that phthalates do not remain in our body tissues forever. However, studies have found that prolonged exposure to them can negatively affect many of our body’s organ systems, reproductive health, and child development . In one study, high exposure to phthalates was even linked to premature death in older adults. For example, researchers analyzed data from more than 5,000 American adults. They found that those with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine between the ages of 55 and 64 had a higher risk of dying from heart disease than those with the lowest levels. They also had a higher risk of dying from any cause in the group with the highest exposure. However, there was no increase in the risk of dying from cancer. Another thing is that the way these chemicals interact with each other and affect our bodies has not yet been fully studied, rather than acting individually. That is, it is not just one type of phthalate, but the various chemicals in the products and foods we use that combine to affect our bodies as a combination.

What kinds of things contain phthalates?

These chemicals can be found in more things than you think. Let's take a look at what they are.

What foods are high in phthalates?

These can also enter the body through food. Phthalate levels can be particularly high in the following foods.

• Fast food , food from restaurants and cafes.
• High-fat dairy products (e.g. cheese, butter ).
• High- fat meat and poultry .
• Some cooking oils .

The reason for this is the potential for phthalates to leach into food from plastic utensils and containers used to package and prepare food.

How do these enter our bodies?

There are several main ways you can be exposed to phthalates:

• By consuming food and drinks packaged or served in plastics containing phthalates.
• By eating dairy products and meat from animals exposed to phthalates.
• By absorbing the cosmetics, shampoos, and soaps we talked about earlier into the body through the skin.
• By inhaling dust particles from vinyl flooring, wall coverings, furniture, etc.

Who is more at risk?

Some people are at higher risk of exposure to:

• People who work in the painting, printing, or plastic manufacturing industries.
• People with kidney disease or hemophilia . Because kidney dialysisIV tubing and other supplies used in things like blood transfusions are often made with phthalates.

Different ways phthalates affect humans

These chemicals do not affect everyone in the same way. The effects can vary from person to person, depending on age and gender.

• Unborn children and young children: These are the most affected. The development of the reproductive system, especially in boys, can be damaged.
• Adolescents: The risk is also higher during this time of hormonal changes in the body. During times of major changes in our bodies, we become more sensitive to these chemicals .
• Older women: Women may experience more side effects than men. This may be because they use more personal care products.

So aren't these really safe?

It's hard to give a simple answer to this. Because "phthalates" are not one chemical, they are a family of chemicals. Not all members of this family behave the same. Some phthalates are now completely banned from being used in toys and products used by children under 3 years old . Examples include: `BBP`, `DBP`, and `DEHP`.

• DBP and DEHP have been shown to damage the reproductive systems of laboratory animals, especially males. DBP can cause skin allergies in humans.
• DEHP has been shown to cause cancer in animals. It is expected that the same risk exists for humans, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Three other types (`DiDP`, `DINP`, and `DnOP`) have been temporarily banned from toys that children can put in their mouths.

• DINP causes cancer and developmental problems in laboratory animals.
• DnOP has been found to be linked to the condition endometriosis in women and to cause problems with reproductive development in animals.

The good news is that levels of some harmful phthalates in our bodies are now decreasing. However, exposure to other phthalates that are used as substitutes has increased.

How can I protect myself?

Our bodies have a natural detoxifying system. However, the best thing we can do is avoid phthalates as much as possible. Here are some ways you can start:

• Read product labels:Phthalates are not always listed on the label, especially in cosmetics and plastic toys. Sometimes they may be listed with abbreviations like `DHEP` or `DiBP`. Choose products labeled “phthalate-free” whenever possible.
• Be careful when heating food: When heating food in the microwave, use only "microwave safe" and phthalate-free containers. Avoid using plastic, especially when heating oily or fatty foods.
• Be careful about what you eat: Studies have shown that high dairy and meat consumption increases phthalate exposure. Reduce fast food as much as possible.
• Ask about medical treatments: If you are undergoing kidney dialysis or receiving a blood transfusion, ask your doctor if you can use phthalate-free medical devices.

These are simple steps you can take in your daily life. Being aware of these is one of the biggest steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about it. Phthalates, chemicals, plastics, health risks, cancer, reproductive health, preventive health