Phthalate-Free Cleaning Supplies (Great for People with Sensitive Skin & Noses too!)

Hi Mere!
Older sister Michele here, the chemist and environmental engineer. I did write a blog on phthalates in 2015. Yes, it’s good to listen to your sisters, both older and younger. I’ve learned a lot from you, too. Here’s hoping that you will not use plastic water bottles that have been sitting in the car in the Georgia heat. More chemicals leach out at higher temperatures.

Just a few more details on phthalates:
Phthalates are found in plastics and artificial fragrances. (I pronounce them THAL-lates, I can’t manage the PHTH). :-) One of their uses is to make plastics softer and another is to carry fragrances. We are exposed to them in a number of ways – through vinyl shower curtains, new cars (you know that new car smell that we all love – phthalates!), perfumes and some children’s toys. They are among a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors interfere with our body’s natural hormonal system and cause subtle changes in our bodies. Some possible health effects are: sperm mutations, interference with puberty and masculinity, interference with fetal development and tumor promotion.

One way to avoid them is to avoid artificial fragrances, plastic food containers and vinyl shower curtains. I use cloth shower curtains, natural fragrances and avoid cooking in plastic containers. Save bottled water for emergencies and drink filtered tap water.