Phthalates and Parabens Assessment

The Phthalates and Parabens Profile helps determine body burdens of these chemicals from everyday exposures. Phthalates are plasticizers, added to plastics to make them more flexible, durable, and transparent. Phthalates are used in enteric coated pharmaceutical/nutraceutical pills, gelling agents, stabilizers, lubricants, binders, and emulsifying agents. These products can be found in personal care products such as hair spray, perfume, eye shadow, and nail polish. Other items containing phthalates include children’s toys, detergents, modelling clay, paints, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Since phthalates are not chemically bonded to the plastics, as the plastics degrade, phthalates are released. Phthalates may be absorbed through the skin or by inhalation, however the main source of phthalates are dietary. Fatty foods such as milk, butter and meats tend to be our higher sources of phthalates. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)/plastic water bottles may also contain phthalates. Many medical tubing and intravenous bags contain DEHP – diethylhexylphthalate. Phthalate exposure has been linked to hormonal changes, birth defects, and obesity through its interference with metabolism.

Parabens are chemicals used in personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, soaps, gels, and toothpaste. They are also used in food additives, and in pharmaceuticals. They are primarily used for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Parabens can cause skin irritation, and other dermatoses. Their estrogenic and carcinogenic effects are a concern and require further research.

The compounds measured in this profile include: mono-ethyl phthalate (MEtP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.