Phthalates
phthalates, ortho-phthalates, DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DCHP, DIOP, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, phthalic acid esters, plasticizers, ftalatos
What it is
Phthalates are chemicals used to make some plastics softer and more flexible. In food, exposure can come from packaging and other food-contact materials rather than from a deliberately added food ingredient.
Why BOTIA flags it
Studies have linked phthalate exposure with endometriosis and lower markers of ovarian reserve. Phthalates soften plastic and can migrate from food packaging into food — they are not listed as food ingredients, so BOTIA cannot detect them from the ingredient list. Women can show higher levels of some phthalates because cosmetics, perfume and other personal-care products are additional sources.
BOTIA CAN
- Explain why phthalates matter to the Woman layer and show the evidence linking exposure with endometriosis and lower markers of ovarian reserve.
- Explain that food packaging is only one possible source and that cosmetics, perfume and other personal-care products can add to exposure.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Detect phthalates that migrate from packaging into food from an ordinary ingredient list.
- Tell from a food label where a person's exposure came from or prove that phthalates caused endometriosis or reduced ovarian reserve.