Have you ever heard of phthalates?
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in plastics and many other products. They are used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl.
For more on phthalates, check out GreenPeace.org's report on hazardous chemicals here.
Aside from containing the properties to make males more feminine, what other capabilities does plastic have of affecting the human body?
DIABETES RESEARCH
Recent studies done in Sweden show that these chemicals found in cosmetics and other plastics are directly related to the risk of developing diabetes and that even a modest increase in circulating blood levels of such chemicals doubled the risk.
Monica Lind, associate professor of environmental medicine at the Section for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Dr. Lars Lind, professor of medicine, analyzed new information from a study that involved more than 1,000 70-year-old men and women in Uppsala, Sweden. The participants submitted blood samples for analysis of various environmental toxins, including several substances formed when the body breaks down phthalates.
Even after adjusting for obesity, blood lipids, smoking and exercise habits, the researchers saw a definite connection between blood levels of some of the phthalates and an increased prevalence of diabetes. The Linds also found that certain phthalates were associated with disrupted insulin production in the pancreas.
Most people come into daily contact with these plastic chemicals. These chemicals are commonly used as softening agents in plastics and as carriers of fragrances in cosmetics, personal care products, air fresheners and scented candles.
For more complete list of the products that phthalates are found in, please visit the FDA's report located here.
Please be sure to let us know what you think of this topic in the comments below and remember that sharing is caring :) Spread this to your friends and family and let them know of any potential risks if they use products that carry these deadly chemicals.
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