Phthalates are being phased out of many products in various countries such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union because of health concerns. Despite this step, many organizations have reported on the safety of phthalates and its long history of use.
Phthalates can be found and are used in a large variety of products such as pharmaceutical pills, lubricants, and gelling agents. They are also used in common items such as adhesives and glues, electronics, personal care products, cosmetics, detergents, food and even in children's toys.
A concern about phthalates is that they are easily released into the surrounding environment. As plastics age and break down, the release of phthalates accelerates. People are commonly exposed to phthalates, and most Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have metabolites of multiple phthalates in their urine. Because phthalate plasticizers are not chemically bound to PVC, they can easily leach and evaporate into food or the atmosphere.
High levels of phthalates can lead to greater risk for type-2 diabetes
There is a connection between phthalates found in cosmetics and plastics and the risk of developing diabetes among seniors. Even at a modest increase in circulating phthalate levels, the risk of diabetes is doubled. This conclusion is drawn by researchers at Uppsala University in a study published in the journal Diabetes Care.
