Phthalates (DEHP / DBP / BBP / DEP)
Toxins · Endocrine disruptor
Moderate priority
What this is
Ubiquitous in body fluids in NHANES — virtually 100% prevalence. 'Fragrance' on ingredient lists usually means phthalate carriers. Shanna Swan's 2021 book 'Count Down' popularized male reproductive concerns around phthalates and sperm count decline — some controversy about magnitude but concern is legitimate.
Mechanism
Plasticizers in vinyl (PVC), flexible plastics, personal care products (fragrance, nail polish); anti-androgenic in males; developmental effects; near-universal urinary metabolites
Dose & route
Fragrance-free personal care; avoid vinyl shower curtains/kids' toys; don't microwave plastic; avoid PVC food storage
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33894329/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34365612/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4740207/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.