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Why plasticizer is harmful to health

Why are plasticizers (phthalates) dangerous?

What are Plasticizers (phthalates) And why are they actually so dangerous for our health? Our everyday lives are full of plastic products that are real poison for our health. A closer look at the ingredients of many plastic products and their effects will quickly make you want to live a plastic-free life. Plastic is riddled with so-called plasticizerswhich inhibit hormones and, for example, alter the sexual development of children. Some products are made of more than 50% of it. Today's article deals with these and other significant effects of plastic, or more precisely plasticizers, on our health.

What exactly are plasticizers (phthalates) and what do they contain?

Phthalates are plasticizers for plastics. For example, they make product packaging softer and more elastic. PVC flooring would normally be really hard, but the phthalates make the floor softer and smoother. What is good at first glance should make you suspicious at second glance. This is because phthalates permanently evaporate from plastic products. Even the wonderful new car smell that we enjoy so much would not exist without phthalates. Phthalates are found in particular in personal care products, perfumes, deodorants, floor coverings, pipes and cables and even paints.

Plasticizers also enter the bloodstream through the skin

These dangerous plasticizers are not only inhaled or get into the mouth via toothpaste. No, the plasticizers also enter the bloodstream directly through the skin. Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a general statement about the mode of action of phthalates because there are many different types of these chemical plasticizers. As a rule, however, the group of "brittle plastics" can be regarded as particularly hazardous to health.

These plasticizers contain the dangerous plastic bisphenol-A (BPA for short). Exposure to BPA can have serious health consequences for us and can, for example, provoke diabetes and heart disease and restrict fertility.

The consequences of plasticizers for our health

Plasticizers are particularly dangerous for children's development. Even though phthalate has been banned as a component of toys by the European Union, it is still repeatedly detected in toys such as crayons. The plasticizers are so harmful to health because they have a hormone-inhibiting effect and can therefore have an influence on pregnancy and demonstrably delay the onset of menopause. Toxicologists at the Federal Environment Agency confirm that sperm quality has continued to decline over the last few decades due to regular contact with plastic.

At the same time, the risk of testicular cancer increases. The risks of plastic consumption have long been known and even proven. Nevertheless, our society is only now becoming noticeably more aware of the plastic problem, which not only affects our direct contact with plasticizers, but also has devastating effects on the environment.

How can you protect yourself from plastic chemicals?

What are plasticizers phthalates?
Use natural products without plastic


It is therefore generally not possible to determine or recognize the concentration of chemicals in the human body. But if you consume a lot of convenience products, you can be prepared for the fact that your body's exposure to plastic tends to be high. So what can you do to prevent excessive contact with plasticizers? Less or no convenience products and eating fresh food that you cook yourself. And stay away from fast food! Fresh produce straight from the farm and drinks from a glass bottle are ideal. Even organic products in the supermarket are usually wrapped in plastic. As far as children's toys are concerned: children put everything in their mouths and try things out. So clearly avoid plastic toys and opt for such wood products set. According to experts, the home should also be aired out and mopped regularly, as phthalates are also found in the air and especially in house dust.

When taking medication, always look at the package insert and google any unfamiliar abbreviations. The use of natural cosmetic products, which are generally largely plastic-free, is also recommended here. The Wooden toothbrush for example, is plastic-free. The plastic toothbrush can therefore be replaced without hesitation by the wooden toothbrush with natural bristles.

Unfortunately, our society accepts this high level of plastic contact in our daily lives. But I have the feeling that an awareness of excessive plastic consumption and the resulting waste is gradually developing.

Best regards,

CareElite Christoph

PS.: Do you already live without plastic? Here are the best Tips for a plastic-free life. Good luck!

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* Links with asterisks are so-called Affiliate linksIf you click on it and buy something, you automatically and actively support my work with CareElite.de, as I receive a small share of the proceeds - and of course nothing changes in the product price. Many thanks for your support and best regards, Christoph!

Christoph Schulz

Christoph Schulz

I'm Christoph, an environmental scientist and author - and here at CareElite I'm campaigning against plastic waste in the environment, climate change and all the other major environmental problems of our time. Together with other environmentally conscious bloggers, I want to give you tips & tricks for a naturally healthy, sustainable life as well as your personal development.

2 thoughts on “Warum sind Weichmacher (Phthalate) gefährlich?”

  1. I like plastic bags, I always make my pants out of a garbage bag, I even wear soft PVC clothes and I feel very comfortable in them.

    1. Then please do another lap of honor over the article 😉 I also recommend you this article on the topic Plastic fashionThere may be something nice about it and you've never supported cleaning the oceans.

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