Chemicals in These Everyday Toiletries and Plastics May Increase Your Risk of Premature Death

What do your hair spray, nail polish, and storage containers all have in common? Unfortunately, many or all of them likely have phthalates. Researchers have known for decades the dangers of phthalates and the harm these synthetic chemicals may cause. Now, a new study suggests that the risks are worse than we imagined. According to new research from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, these chemicals may contribute to roughly 100,000 premature deaths of Americans between 55 and 64 years old.  

What exactly are phthalates, and why do manufacturers use them? The CDC defines them as man-made chemical compounds that make plastics more durable. Some of these chemicals also act as gelling agents in toiletries like mousse and conditioner or make the fragrance in a product last longer. Investigators have even reported finding phthalates in medicine tablets and nutritional supplements.  

It’s safe to say that these “everywhere chemicals,” as so many researchers call them, are pervasive. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that phthalates are endocrine disruptors that cause reproductive issues, asthma, and allergies. What’s worse, the NYU study published in Environmental Pollution found a link between the buildup of these toxins and early death due to heart disease.  

Understanding the NYU Study 

To better understand the dangers of phthalates, the NYU research team collected data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2010. They focused in on over 5,000 individuals who were 55 to 64 years old and whose cause of death was tracked through 2015. Then, the team analyzed the results of the urine samples that those participants had provided. The sample results contained measurements for concentrations of phthalates.  

The researchers found that participants with the highest concentrations of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of heart disease than those with lower concentrations. In addition, individuals with high concentrations were more likely to die of any cause than those with low-exposure levels. On a positive note, the team did not find any association between phthalates and cancer risk.  

The study authors noted that phthalate exposure has been linked to heart disease before, and that heart disease is a leading cause of death. However, this was the first study to link the synthetic chemicals themselves to a higher risk of mortality.  

Downsides of the Study 

Lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics, environmental medicine and population health at NYU Langone Health, said in an NYU press release that the study did have a few drawbacks. Namely, the research did not reveal a direct cause-and- effect relationship between phthalate exposure and early deaths. To prove that there is a definite link, Dr. Trasande and his team need to conduct more research to learn how phthalates alter hormone regulation and create inflammation in the body. 

In addition, CNN noted that the study did not have an ideal setup. The best study for the job would be a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. However, such a study isn’t possible because it has serious ethical issues. “We cannot ethically randomize people to be exposed to potentially toxic chemicals,” Dr. Trasande explained. 

The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents chemical, plastics and chlorine industries in the U.S., also strongly disagreed with the findings. In a statement to CNN, the ACC argued that the study piled all phthalates into one group instead of testing each chemical individually. The organization claimed that certain phthalates, like diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), have lower toxicity than other synthetic chemicals.  

Still, the state of California flagged both DINP and DIDP as harmful chemicals. DINP exposure may increase the risk of cancer and DIDP exposure may increase the risk of birth defects and other reproductive issues. Manufacturers use DINP in car interiors, gloves, tubing, inks, and adhesives. DIDP is used in similar products, along with tile flooring, shower curtains, and bathmats.  

How to Avoid Phthalates in Your Products 

The EWG and Dwell Smart recommend that you avoid seven major products to minimize your exposure to phthalates. These include: 

• Nail polish, which contains dibutyl phthalate (DBP). To find DBP-free nail polish, look for nail products labeled “non-toxic” or “DBP-free.”  
• Plastic storage containers, soda bottles, and plastic water bottles, especially those that contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). To avoid PET, check whether your bottles have a Number 1 plastic recycle symbol.  
• Vinyl toys, or toys made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which makes toys so soft. Avoid PVC by choosing cotton, wood, or phthalate-free toys.  
• Vinyl shower curtains and liners. That strong “new shower curtain” smell is not good for you. To avoid phthalates in these products, try buying non-vinyl shower curtains and liners.  
• Paints, which contain solvent phthalates like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If possible, purchase no-VOC or low-VOC paints instead. 
• Fragranced hair products that help hold hair in place, such as gels, hairsprays, and mousses. Unfortunately, many products with gels and fragrance contain diethyl phthalate (DEP). The FDA does not require companies to list DEP on their ingredient labels. To check your toiletries, hair products, and makeup for harmful phthalates, look them up on EWG’s Skin Deep database.  
• Synthetic air fresheners. You can avoid phthalates in air fresheners by opting for natural air fresheners.  

While it may be impossible to avoid all phthalates in our products, we can significantly reduce our exposure. Be mindful of the products you buy. Try to purchase items from companies that proudly label their products as “phthalate-free.” By slowly reducing your exposure to these synthetic chemicals, you could greatly improve the long-term health of you and your family.