What are the harmful effects of phthalates?

In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.

What type of plastic has phthalates?

Phthalates are also widely used in flexible polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC), such as plastic bags, garden hoses, inflatable recreational toys, blood-storage containers, intravenous tubing, and some pharmaceutical and pesticide products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Does fleece have phthalates?

Polar fleece is made from a form of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate, or PET (Recycling number 1). PET is a phthalate. Phthalates can often be found in nail polish, PVC, toiletries, and children’s toys.

Is polar fleece toxic?

PET does not biodegrade, and these microplastics are being ingested by marine life. Fortunately BPA in fleece products doesn’t pose a problem, however there are plenty of unregulated toxic chemicals remaining in products found on the shelves of our stores.

Are phthalates in clothing?

Three t-shirts and a pair of underwear from popular clothing brands had “very high” concentrations of phthalates, meaning the chemical comprised up to 38\% of their weight. Phthalates have also been found in jeans, raincoats, and artificial leather.

What are phthalates made of?

Phthalates are the esters of 1,2-dibenzene dicarboxylic acid; their general structure is given in Figure 1. They are produced by the addition of an excess of branched or normal alcohols to phthalic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst.

Are old plastic toys safe for babies?

(Reuters Health) – Children who play with second-hand plastic toys may be exposed to unsafe levels of chemicals like lead and cadmium that have been linked to developmental problems and organ damage, a UK study suggests.

What chemicals are in fleece?

Raw Materials The raw material for polyester fleece is polyester, which is made from two petroleum products: terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.

Is fleece made of plastic?

Fleece fabric is usually made from a type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other synthetic fibres, woven and brushed into a light weight fabric. Other materials can be used and added when making the fabric, including natural fibres, like wool, or recycled fibres, like recycled PET plastic.

What fabrics have phthalates?

Is Lycra fabric toxic?

LYCRA aka SPANDEX aka ELASTANE is a synthetic fiber made from polyurethane, known for its exceptional elasticity. While it is not considered toxic in the field of toxicology, it is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum and many people who are sensitive to pertroleum react to Lycra.