What are “Phthalates?”
Phthalates are a class of commonly used chemicals called plasticizers that are used to create a flexible plastic film and to add flexibility, softness, and elongation. They are also used in cosmetics to bind the fragrance to the product.
Where Else Are Phthalates Used?
- Nail Polish
- Kitchen Plastics
- Vinyl Toys
- Paint
- Lawn Furniture
- Rain Coats
- Shower Curtains
- Air Fresheners & Perfumes
Our inks do not contain any Phthalates!
Health Effects of Phthalates
- Some phthalates have endocrine disrupting properties, meaning they can disturb normal hormonal processes, often at low levels of exposure (IEPA 2000).
- Exposure to phthalates is linked to birth defects of the genitals and altered levels of reproductive hormones in baby boys. An increased breast cancer risk is also suspected (Main 2006, Swan 2005, Marsee 2006). Phthalates in building products have also been linked to asthma (Mendell, 2007).
- Human testing by the federal government finds phthalates in almost all of the population, with the highest levels in children ages 6 to 11 years and in women (CDC 2005 Indoor Air).
- DINP (one type of phthalate) is commonly used as an additive in children’s toys. Studies have demonstrated possible links between DINP and adverse impacts on the reproductive system, kidneys, liver and blood.
Types of Phthalates (for further research)
- Dimethyl Phthalate DMP
- Diethyl Phthalate DEP 8
- Diallyl Phthalate DAP
- Di-n-propyl Phthalate DPP
- Di-n-butyl Phthalate DBP
- Diisobutyl Phthalate DIBP
- Butyl Cyclohexyl Phthalate BCP
- Di-n-pentyl Phthalate DNPP
- Dicyclohexyl Phthalate DCP
- Butyl Benzyl Phthalate BBP
- Di-n-hexyl Phthalate DNHP
- Diisohexyl Phthalate DIHxP
- Diisoheptyl Phthalate DIHpP
- Butyl Decyl Phthalate BDP
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate DEHP
- Di(n-octyl) Phthalate DNOP
- Diisooctyl Phthalate DIOP
- n-Octyl n-decyl Phthalate ODP
- Diisononyl Phthalate DINP
- Diisodecyl Phthalate DIDP
- Diundecyl Phthalate DUP
- Diisoundecyl Phthalate DIUP
- Ditridecyl Phthalate DTDP
- Diisotridecyl Phthalate DIUP
- Permanent ban
- Di-n-butyl Phthalate DBP
- Butyl Benzyl Phthalate BBP
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate DEHP
Prohibited Pending Further Study
- Di(n-octyl) Phthalate DNOP
- Diisononyl Phthalate DINP
- Diisodecyl Phthalate DIDP