X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Chemicals Found In Kid's Toys, Shampoos, And Makeup Linked To Early Death: Study

5 min read
Chemicals Found In Kid's Toys, Shampoos, And Makeup Linked To Early Death: Study

Phthalates are mainly added to products to make them last longer including children's toys and plastic tubing so that kids find it hard to break.

The next time you head out to buy children’s toys, shampoos, makeup, or even food storage containers, make sure to carefully read the process of manufacturing. Because chances are that you just picked up a fatally harmful product and used it not just on yourself but also your child!

Yes, you read that right. 

According to a new study, use of several consumer products including shampoo, makeup, children’s toys, perfume and food storage containers leads to exposure to phthalates, which is a common class of chemicals has been linked to premature deaths.

High Levels Of Phthalates Found In Urine, Such People Likely To Die Earlier: Study

Scientists have always known that phthalates can interfere with important hormone functions. Even the smallest hormonal disruptions can lead to major effects, including reproductive and developmental issues, such as problems with the brain and also the immune system. 

Several studies have also highlighted that phthalates exposure can lead to diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Leonardo Trasande, from NYU Langone’s Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, told CNN, “These chemicals have a rap sheet and when you look at the entire body of evidence, it provides a haunting pattern of concern.”

Data from more than 5,000 adults between the ages of 55 and 64 were analysed. Researchers found that those with high levels of phthalates in their urine were likely to die earlier than expected, more specifically those who suffered from heart-related ailments. 

The study pointed out that more than 91,000 to 107,000 American adults a year suffer from premature deaths, which have been linked to chemicals.

These early deaths cost an estimated $40 billion to $47 billion each year in lost economic productivity.

Why Are Phthalates Added To Products?

how to identify phthalates in products

Image courtesy: iStock

Phthalates are added to products to make them last longer. There are various children’s toys and plastic tubing that might contain the chemical so that kids find it hard to break.

Toiletries and cosmetics may include phthalates to maintain fragrance.

Here’s How To Identify Phthalates In Products 

how to identify phthalates in products

Image courtesy: iStock

Trasande shared a list of tips with Insider for keeping phthalates out of your home:

  • Always buy fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid canned and processed versions.
  • Choose unscented detergents and lotions.
  • You can avoid all microwaving and machine dishwashing plastics
  • Opt for cleaning supplies without any scents.
  • In order to store food, always go for glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or wood.
  • Try to always avoid air fresheners and all plastics that are labelled as No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7.

The American Chemistry Council called the study “demonstrably inaccurate” because it bunched all phthalates into a single group rather than looking at the differences in toxicity.

In response to this, Trasande said ACC’s reply was “similar to those used by the tobacco industry when studies showed evidence of harm.” He further said that the Council has not provided any evidence to contradict the study’s findings. 

How To Avoid Exposure To Phthalates?

Read labels: You should try to avoid using products that contain phthalates. Opt for brands that are committed to making products that phthalate-free. 

Here are the two most common products using phthalate

PVC products: Phthalates are usually added to PVC (vinyl) products to make them soft and flexible. If a plastic product is too soft, it mostly contains phthalates unless the label specifically mentions that it does not.

Personal Care Products: Nail polish, perfume, hair gel, shampoo, hair spray also contain this chemical. It helps to lubricate other substances in the formula and they have a fragrance. Under the current law, phthalates can be simply labelled as “fragrance,” even though they make up 20% or more of the product. There are many companies that have voluntarily removed phthalates from their products.

Risks Of Exposure To Phthalates To Kids

Phthalates are a very common class chemical and it is nicknamed “everywhere chemicals.” The chemicals pose a threat if ingested, so kids are at an increased risk of exposure as they have the habit of putting their hands in their mouths.

So, parents of young kids, especially those under the age of three need to be extra cautious. 

There are studies that have linked phthalates to allergies, male genital deformities, premature puberty, asthma, lowered IQ and ADHD.

How to recognise plastic toys and containers containing phthalates?

how to identify phthalates in products

Image courtesy: iStock

Remember that all plastics are not the same. In order to recognise plastic toys, bottles, food or even storage containers whether it contains phthalate compounds is to look for the number 3 inside the universal recycling symbol. It is usually moulded into the plastic at the bottom of the product.

  • You should avoid products with the number 3 which is placed with arrows and the letters “V” or “PVC” mentioned below it.
  • Always select the products that have numbers 1,2, 4 and 5 within the arrows. 

Let’s not forget that the effect of this chemical on humans have not been studied extensively, but it is believed to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). It can alter the hormonal balance and potentially cause health issues, reproductive, developmental and problems.

Pregnant mums, stay alert as exposure to phthalates can be dangerous. According to two Harvard studies, it can increase the chance of miscarriage as well as gestational diabetes. So be alert and choose your products wisely.

Source: Insider, NIH

ALSO READ:

Partner Stories
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Gentle Relief for Mummy and Baby
Gentle Relief for Mummy and Baby
Busting Eczema Myths: The Truth About Managing This Skin Condition
Busting Eczema Myths: The Truth About Managing This Skin Condition
5 Things to Prepare Your Child for Back to School in 2024
5 Things to Prepare Your Child for Back to School in 2024

Best Baby Shampoo In Singapore: Top Brands Gentle For Everyday Use

Potentially Cancer Causing Agents In Johnson & Johnson Products?

Chemicals Found In Kids Toys, Shampoos, And Makeup Linked To Early Death: Study

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Sarmistha Neogy

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • Chemicals Found In Kid's Toys, Shampoos, And Makeup Linked To Early Death: Study
Share:
  • 'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

    'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

  • This Dad Has Been Shaving His Head for 13 Years & He’s Not Stopping Anytime Soon

    This Dad Has Been Shaving His Head for 13 Years & He’s Not Stopping Anytime Soon

  • Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Macrosomia

    Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Macrosomia

  • 'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

    'She's Not Less, Just Simply Wired Differently'—A Singapore Mum Gets Real About Autism Parenting

  • This Dad Has Been Shaving His Head for 13 Years & He’s Not Stopping Anytime Soon

    This Dad Has Been Shaving His Head for 13 Years & He’s Not Stopping Anytime Soon

  • Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Macrosomia

    Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Macrosomia

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it