Toxic-Free Future works to create a healthier tomorrow by fostering the use of safer products, chemicals, and practices through advanced research, advocacy, grassroots organizing, and consumer engagement.

Ortho-phthalates, commonly referred to as phthalates (pronounced THAL-eights), are a class of chemicals that are used to make plastics, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), flexible. The chemicals also serve various functions in cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products.

Companies put phthalates in many types of products.1, 2 They include:

Because phthalates are not chemically bound to the plastic they are used in, they migrate out over time and contaminate indoor dust and air. People are exposed to phthalates through indoor dust and air, from using products such as cosmetics, and from food.

Phthalates contaminate indoor dust and air. Because phthalates are so widely used in building materials as well as products used indoors, they are widespread indoor pollutants.3 Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and toys release phthalates over time to the air and they build up in dust. With their greater hand-to-mouth behavior and more contact with the floor, children are likely to have greater exposure through ingesting contaminated dust.

Phthalates use in cosmetics and personal care products leads to direct exposure. Studies by the CDC find that women consistently have higher exposure to certain phthalates, likely because of greater use of phthalate-containing cosmetics and personal care products.4 Women of color have particularly high exposures to these phthalates.5

Phthalates are in the food we eat. Phthalates have been found in dairy products, meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and fast foods.6 Phthalates are not intentionally added ingredients but make their way into food when they escape from food processing equipment, food packaging, and food preparation materials, contaminating food all along the supply chain.

Phthalates are well-known for their ability to disrupt the hormonal system, with extensive laboratory research concluding that exposure to phthalates reduces testosterone levels and leads to an array of male reproductive problems.7 Effects include malformations in organs needed for sperm development, hypospadias (abnormal urinary openings), and undescended testes.8 Studies in people provide evidence that exposure levels are already high enough that they may be harming male reproductive development.9

Because phthalates are in so many products and contaminate our food, tests on U.S. residents find 99% of adults and children are exposed.10

It is impossible for us to shop our way out of this problem. And we shouldn’t have to. When you walk into a store, you should be able to trust that the products on store shelves are safe. 

Companies shouldn’t sell products with dangerous chemicals—especially as scientists continue to learn more about the “silent epidemic” caused by the cumulative impact of all the toxic chemicals we are regularly exposed to. And our state and federal governments shouldn’t allow chemicals on the market until they’re proven safe.

The only way to protect everyone from toxic chemicals like phthalates is to change policies at government and corporate levels to make sure that safer solutions are the norm. 

We’re fighting every day to protect you and your loved ones from toxic chemicals like this. To join our fight, please consider making a donation , taking action with us, or signing up for our email list.