DEHP substitutes in plastic products behave just like the chemical they

The recommendation from the researchers was for people to limit exposure to these compounds by avoiding plastics marked with 3, 6, and 7, opting for fresh food over packaged, and making sure never to put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where they are more apt to leech chemicals.

Phthalates, esters of phthalic acid, are used as plasticizers in products, including vinyl flooring, detergents, hoses, air fresheners and toys. These phthalates are replacements for another, DEHP, which is an endocrine disruptor in young children. DEHP was banned in Europe in 2004, but it’s still allowed in the United States. Ironically, the two chemicals were used as replacements for another chemical, di-2-ethylhexylphlatate, or DEHP, which the same researchers proved in previous research to have similar adverse effects.

Two chemicals used to strengthen common household items like plastic wrap and processed food containers have been linked to high blood pressure and diabetes in children, according to a new series of studies.

In the new study, published today (July 8) in the journal Hypertension, researchers looked at 1,329 children and teens ages 8 to 19, measuring their blood pressure and the levels of DINP and DIDP in their urine. Of the adolescents with particularly high DINP levels, one in three had high insulin resistance, while only one in four teens with low concentrations of the plastic chemicals had any resistance. But there was a prevailing belief that some plastics were safer than others.

It is because of the highly lipophilic (fat-soluble) nature of these chemicals that they so easily accumulate in the body. It’s also recommended to not use plastic containers that contain these chemicals.

“There’s this notion that they only react when there’s a problem”, he said. “It’s innocent until proven guilty and that’s an issue”.

“Our research adds to growing concerns that environmental chemicals might be independent contributors to insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure and other metabolic disorders”, says study lead investigator Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, a professor at NYU Langone.

“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 (the 1976 toxic Substance Control Act),”, he said in a statement reported by CBS.

Until agency regulations can catch up with the science, families can take safe and simple steps toward limiting phthalate exposure.

A new study examining the safety risks of exposure to two commonly used chemicals has some scientists sounding the alarm. She is a yoga teacher and musician.

Zoe Ledwith is from Madison, Wisconsin.