Coaches Tip – Avoid Phthalates #1
Researchers from the Children’s Environmental Health Center have found a link between obesity in children and the level of exposure to phthalates. What are phthalates? Phthalates are man made endocrine disrupting chemicals that mimic human hormones within the body. Phthalates are mainly used as a plasticizer in plastics to make them more flexible, durable, transparent, and increase their longevity, they are also found in many health products and cosmetics available. Phthalates are easily released into the environment as they do not have a true bond with the plastic it is combined with. Phthalates have been tested on animals and found to change their hormone levels and cause birth defects.
Children were tested at the initiation of the study and one year later for phthalate exposure and those with the highest exposure rates were found to also be the most obese.
Susan Teitelbaum, PhD stated; “Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neuro-development, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity”
Avoiding toxins is a great idea in almost all steps of life and this study is another reason to believe that toxins in our food, cosmetics, and environment are contributing to the high levels of obesity in our society. Clearly poor eating habits and lack of physical activity play a large role as well, but within these the reduction of toxic exposure is also beneficial. Next time you are at the health food store/market take a look at the phthalate free cosmetic products available. Shampoos, deodorants, female cosmetics, etc can all be found in phthalate free forms. Purchase healthier and safer products now for a healthier future, for you and your children.
