Recent research on the effects of phthalates on human health shows that the toxic ingredient is even more dangerous than originally thought. Researchers found that phthalates may have contributed to more than 350,000 heart disease deaths worldwide in the span of just one year.
What Are Phthalates and Why Are They Dangerous?
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used to make plastics more pliable, fragrance last longer, and cosmetics absorb into skin better. They can be found in a wide range of everyday plastic products and in just about any product containing fragrance, from perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products, to air fresheners, household cleaners, and more.
Pure Haven takes great strides to ensure our products are never contaminated with phthalates. Our products are fragrance free and phthalate free, guaranteed. Additionally, whenever possible, we package our products in recyclable glass and phthalate-free PET plastic containers. PET plastic is considered safe, as the chemicals from the plastic do not leak into the contents of the container.
Health Risks Linked to Phthalate Exposure
Phthalates are among the worst endocrine disruptors. This class of chemicals can interfere with hormone systems in the body that regulate biological processes in the body, such as:
- brain and nervous system development
- growth and function of the reproductive system
- metabolism
- blood sugar levels
Exposure to phthalates can increase the risk of serious health issues like:
- obesity
- diabetes
- infertility
- cancer
- attention and behavioral disorders
A new study conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health shows that phthalate exposure can also cause inflammation in the heart’s arteries, a condition that can lead to heart attack or stroke. The study focused on the most common type of phthalates and its effect on adults in the 55-64 age range. Such limited subject matter means that the true death toll linked to phthalates is likely far higher than the 356,238 heart disease deaths in 2018 noted in the study.
How To Avoid Phthalates in Your Daily Life
Unfortunately, phthalates are common ingredients in so many types of products that they’ve become ubiquitous in the environment and in everyday life, leaving us all prone to exposure. In fact, studies have shown that nearly every American has traces of these chemicals in their bodies.
Completely avoiding exposure may be impossible, but reducing exposure is critical.
- Read product ingredient labels. If phthalates or even the catch-all “fragrance” term is included, it’s best to put the product back on the shelf.
- Wash hands often. This is especially important before preparing or eating food.
- Minimize exposure to dust. Even dust can contain phthalates, so be sure to wipe dust from surfaces and floors regularly with a damp cloth or a cloth sprayed with a nontoxic household cleaner so that it can trap dust particles rather than send them floating into the air again.
- Choose fresh over processed and packaged foods. The more equipment foods are run through, the more likely they are to pick up phthalates.
- Limit single-use plastics. Choosing larger capacity products and refillable containers helps lower the number of phthalates in our environment and in our bodies.
- Shop nontoxic. Pure Haven provides a complete collection of safe, effective, nontoxic products. Our products will never contain phthalates. Guaranteed.
Why Choose Nontoxic Products from Pure Haven?
At Pure Haven, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between products that work and products that are safe for you and your family. We formulate our products using sustainable and natural ingredients and utilize safe synthetics where necessary. No toxins. No compromises.
Ready to detox your home?
Explore Pure Haven’s full line of safe, effective, and phthalate-free products, so you can protect what matters most. Shop now.
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Sources:
Beard, M. (29 Apr 2025). This super-common chemical was just linked to 356,238 deaths — and you almost certainly have it in your home. NY Post.
(June 2017). Proposition 65 Warnings Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP).