Phthalates: An assault on your fertility?
What are they?
Phthalates are a series of widely used chemicals that demonstrate to be endocrine disruptors and are detrimental to human health.
Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics during producing, packaging, or delivering.
Chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.
The Evidence
Experimental studies using cell cultures and rodents combined with human evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that phthalates pose a hazard to ovaries. Phthalates can disrupt follicle growth pattern, increase oxidative stress and cause follicle death. These effects could lead to infertility, faster depletion of ovarian reserve, and earlier reproductive senescence.
Phthalates have been found in liver, lungs and adipose tissue as well as in serum, urine, ovarian follicular fluid and amniotic fluid . The presence of phthalates in ovaries and amniotic fluid means that exposure is life-long starting from germ cell development and fetal life [3]. Estimated exposure levels in humans vary. For example, the daily exposure of the general population to DEHP has been estimated to be between 3 and 30 μg/kg based on urinary excreted metabolites [7]. Women are generally more exposed to phthalates than men, which is attributed to more frequent use of cosmetics and toiletry products containing phthalates
Phthalates and sperm health
According to the Guardian, last year, a team of international researchers published a global review which revealed that sperm concentrations in semen have been freefalling for the last 50 years. From 1973 to 2018, sperm declined at a rate of 1.2% up to 2000, accelerating to 2.6% annually thereafter.
Last year, a study led by Andreas Kortenkamp, a professor of human toxicology at Brunel University offered a first of its kind evaluation of the impact of chemicals found in everyday plastics on sperm concentration and count.
This research delved into the “chemical cocktail” present in plastics (which can contain over 13,000 different chemicals, the health implications of many of which remain unexamined) emerging with a ranking of known top offenders: bisphenol A and its substitutes, which are found in many types of plastic food containers and in the linings of cans; phthalates, another additive, and polychlorinated dioxins, a type of “forever chemical” produced by burning plastic.
Researchers determined that common products and environmental contamination expose humans to these chemicals at levels up to 100 times higher than what is deemed safe, putting us at risk of endocrine disruption and related issues with reproductive health, metabolism and immune function.
Women’s exposure to phthalates
Experimental studies using cell cultures and rodents combined with human evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that phthalates pose a hazard to ovaries. Phthalates can disrupt follicle growth pattern, increase oxidative stress and cause follicle death. These effects could lead to infertility, faster depletion of ovarian reserve, and earlier reproductive senescence.
Could this be the answer to declining fertility in women too?
While I believe we have to address the unconscious block that has allowed for the crack in our fertility blueprint, as secondary port of call it would be a good idea to detox your food supply, your range of toiletries that you apply to your skin and what you surround yourself with in terms of household cleaning products and items.
The following products frequently contain phthalates, though there are usually phthalate-free alternatives available.
Food storage boxes (including Tupperware)
Plastic bottles
Baby formula and baby food
Pesticides
Cosmetics, personal care and perfumes
Insect repellent
Nail polish
Shampoo – See some phthalate-free shampoos here
Lotions
Nail polish
Skin cream
Body lotion
Fragrance
Deodorant
Hair products
Shampoo
Body wash
Shower gels
Hair gel
Hair mousse
Hairspray
Nappy cream
Baby soap
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Facepaint
Glitter gel
Coated, time-release vitamins and medication
Medical devices such as IV bags, drips and plastic tubing
Shower curtains
Vinyl flooring
Carpets
Vinyl wallpaper
Window blinds
Nappy changing mats
Raincoats
Wellies
Inflatable mattresses (air beds)
School supplies
Car interiors
Air fresheners and plugins
Electronics
Computers, laptops, tablets and phones
Plastic jewellery
Toys
Craft materials
Coating on wires and cables
Plastic sex toys
Tap water
Meat products
Dairy products (especially cheese)
Whilst it’s sadly impossible to avoid phthalates altogether, you can reduce your exposure to these potentially toxic chemicals.
Refer back to this list of products which contain phthalates and you can make healthier shopping choices that will make a difference to your health and the planet.
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