Phthalates are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with our hormones and are used in many products.
Some are used in PVC plastic (recycling code 3) to make it stronger and more flexible. PVC plastic is used in toys, shower curtains, cables and more. Although phthalates are not intentionally added to PET plastic (recycling code 1), they have also been found in single-use PET plastic bottles.
Other phthalates are used in cosmetics, beauty products, washing and cleaning products to make fragrances last longer. Products that list items such as “fragrance”, “parfum” or “perfume” on the ingredient label may contain these chemicals.
Phthalates can be slowly released from plastic items into our environment. During food production and storage, these chemicals may leach from plastic equipment and packaging into food, water and soft drinks. Children may also be exposed to phthalates when playing with plastic toys.
Phthalates can also be absorbed through our skin or breathed in from cosmetics or beauty products. Studies have shown that people who use cosmetics and perfumes have higher exposure to EDCs than people who don’t.
A study has found that 98% of the US population has phthalates in their urine, which means that almost everyone is exposed to these EDCs. Phthalates have also been measured in blood, urine, saliva, amniotic fluid, semen, breast tissue and breast milk.
Studies in cells have shown that phthalates may interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system by:
Some phthalates may only act through one of these mechanisms, while others may interfere with hormones in multiple ways.
Phthalates that copy oestrogen may play a role in breast cancer, as high levels of oestrogen can increase breast cancer risk. However, phthalates that reduce oestrogen levels or activity may contribute to decreasing risk.
Human studies that have looked at the possible link between phthalates and breast cancer have found that different phthalates can have opposite effects, as observed in laboratory studies. Most studies found that two phthalates, DBP and DEHP, may increase breast cancer risk, whilst the phthalate BBP may reduce risk.
Some phthalates affect the male reproductive system and are linked to reduced testosterone levels, low sperm quality and infertility. They may also interfere with the female reproductive system and may be linked to infertility and early menopause. Additionally, some phthalates can potentially affect pregnancy and may increase the risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth and low birth weight.
Some phthalates are officially recognised to be harmful chemicals and have been restricted or banned from toys, cosmetics, beauty products, material that comes into contact with food or material dedicated to babies. However, manufacturers can swap these phthalates with unregulated ones for which the effects on our health are unknown.
Please see our Phthalates and breast cancer science review for more details and references.
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