Phthalate replacements linked to child health problems | Chemistry World

The compounds di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) are chemicals used to replace di-2-ethylhexyphthalate (DEHP) after it was shown to have adverse effects on health. These phthalates are replacements for another, DEHP, which is an endocrine disruptor in young children. The results showed what they call a “significant association” between DINP and DIDP concentrations and high blood pressure. According to a report from Mother Jones, the chemicals, which are used in hundreds of products including cosmetics, soaps, and plastics, have been connected to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, and a wide range of other health problems affecting children. For each time that phthalates are consumed tenfold, a 1.1-millimeter increase in mercury was recorded in blood pressure. It means that chemicals like phthalates were used during manufacturing of the product. They also found an association between the presence of the chemicals and increased insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Among the teens in the study with the highest levels of DINP, one in three had insulin resistance, compared with one in four among the teens with the lowest levels of the chemical in their urine. The United States followed suit, with manufacturers voluntarily replacing the chemical with DIDP and DINP over the last 10 years.

Trasande’s own research in 2013 confirmed the link between DEHP exposure and hypertension in Americans.

Blood and urine samples were collected once between 2008 and 2012, and the study volunteers’ blood pressure was similarly measured.

“Alternatives to DIDP and DINP include wax paper and aluminum wrap; indeed, a dietary intervention that introduced fresh foods that were not canned or packaged in plastic reduced phthalate metabolites substantially”, Trasande said. “Our study adds further concern for the need to test chemicals for toxicity prior to their broad and widespread use, which is not required under current federal law (the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act)”, he says.

There are steps people can take to limit their exposure to these chemicals, Trasande said. Despite the belief that these new chemicals were totally safe to use, nobody has studied the risks until now.

Scientists recommend limiting your exposure to these compounds, and the best way to do so is to avoid products marked with 3, 6, and 7 on the packaging.

“They’re coating these plastics and what happens is, especially when you put it in a microwave, it heats it and it goes into some of the food and goes into the bloodstream.” said Dr. David Agus, a leading cancer doctor and pioneering biomedical researcher, on CBS This Morning.