Because of the quick-paced progress in America, many products are made with synthetic chemicals that have not been tested for any side effects. Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate, or DEHP, is one of these common chemicals, used in plastics, found in everything from floor tiles to shower curtains to raingear. The CDC lists DEHP as “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen.” Perhaps the reason for its wishy-washy classification, data from DEHP studies show different results. Studies, as reported by ADSTAR’s toxicology report, in mice indicate that inhalation generally has no effect; however, one study demonstrated that heated phthalates when inhaled caused death in mice in 2-4 hours. Another study on a cell culture of human testis cells lends evidence to the fact that DEHP and another phthalate can inhibit testosterone production. So, what can we take from this? Should we be so willing to let something so uninvestigated in humans into our daily lives? Public health preaches the idea of the precautionary principle. In that light, though there is uncertainty that DEHP causes cancer, there is no reason to take unnecessary risks. Buy products that say phthalate-free and heat food up in glass, not plastic. Until more is known, be a conscientious consumer!
Other sources:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts9.pdf
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=377&tid=65
Image by Ed Yourdon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/4213760708/in/photostream/
I like Miranda's approach to DEHP, and until more is known, it is better to be safe than sorry. There seem to be easy ways to avoid exposure to this chemical which does not even show consistency on being a carcinogen. On the other hand, it still frustrates me that companies still continue to use potentially hazardous chemicals. Why are all companies not switching over to more safer practices? Maybe DEHP should not be number one on the list, but someone needs to convince companies to stop using certain chemicals and just switch over already!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that we should try to limit our exposure to chemicals that have the potential to be toxic. Additionally, I found it interesting that the studies you referenced indicated that phtalates were only truly toxic to mice when heated. After reading both your post and Hannah's post on BPA, not heating food in plastic containers definitely seems to be a good idea!
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