Phthalates

Phthalates are esters added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability. They are also added to make fragrances last longer. In every day life, we are exposed to an overdose of phthalates — starting with the kitchen where we use plastic to store food for example, and ending with the cosmetics we use. Phthalates are detrimental to fertility. They are endocrine disruptors and cause insulin resistance and respiratory problems. They cross the placenta and can impact fetus’s genitals formation, birth weight and preterm labor. They have been found in breast milk and umbilical cord blood.
The good news is that you can significantly decrease your exposure to phthalates by changing lifestyle habits and by avoiding plastics and products with added fragrance, or replacing them with organic and healthy ones.

To recognize phthalates, please read labels and, if you see abbreviations like DBP, DNOP, DiNP, DEP, BBzP, DEHP, DiDP, DnHP, DMP, DnOP or the word phthalate, you are better off avoiding the product. Look at the codes on plastic products. Plastics with codes 3 and 7 most probably contain phthalates or BPA. Choose plastics with codes 1,2 or 5, especially when food related.

My personal preference was to get rid of all household detergents and all plastic storage containers in my kitchen. At home, I only clean with water and vinegar solution. 1:1 ratio for the most soiled surfaces, and a more diluted solution for routine cleaning. You can add a few drops of essential oil of your preference. Tea tree oil is great due to its antimicrobial properties. Heavily soiled or greasy surfaces, for. ex. toilet bawl or oven, you can clean when you first sprinkle some baking soda or rub with a baking soda paste. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then spay with the 1:1 water vinegar solution and brush vigorously.