What are Phthalates? What should parents do to protect their children from Phthalates?

People are often exposed to phthalates from toys, cleaning products, plastics or cosmetics. Many people worry that this chemical will affect human health, especially children. To clarify this issue, please refer to the following article.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make many products such as toys, cosmetics, detergents, and even food. This chemical makes the plastic more flexible and harder to break, so it is called a plasticizer.

Phthalates are known as plasticizers

Not only that, phthalates also act as solvents for a number of other materials. Therefore, phthalates are present in many products such as adhesives, plastic clothing, automotive plastics, cosmetics, detergents, etc. We cannot smell, see or taste phthalates but they are present in a lot of them. products that we use every day.

How are infants exposed to phthalates?

How are infants exposed to phthalates?

Newborns are exposed to phthalates from a variety of sources such as food, plastic toys, drugs, cosmetics, or even the air. In addition, some baby care products such as baby shampoos and body washes cause increased levels of phthalate metabolites in the urine. However, this situation has been declining.

How do phthalates affect human health?

Effects of phthalates on human health

The effects of phthalates on human health are still unclear. However, they affect different groups of people in different ways, such as:

• Infants and children are most affected by phthalates , and they are worse for men
• Children during puberty may be vulnerable and at risk of illness by phthalates
• Adult women suffer more side effects than men because they use more personal care products and are more exposed to phthalates.

How to protect children from Phthalates

How to protect children from Phthalates

It’s best to avoid exposure to harmful phthalates as much as possible. Here are some suggestions for you:

• Phthalates are often abbreviated as DHEP or DiBP, so it’s best to choose products labeled “phthalate-free” and to read the label carefully.
• Use only plastic food containers that are safe and do not contain phthalates
• Control food intake. Many studies show that diets high in dairy and meat have higher levels of phthalate exposure.
• Avoid using fast food because its container can be harmful
• Use medical devices that do not contain phthalates if you are in need of treatment.

The harmful effects of phthalates have not been studied or confirmed, so it is best to avoid using products containing phthalates. Thank you for watching and wish you all the best.

Source: Vinmec International Hospital

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