Phthalates are chemicals found in many types of plastics including water bottles as well as in many cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalates have endocrine disrupting properties and may cause birth defects. Earlier studies have linked phthalate exposure to increased insulin resistance, increased abdominal obesity and DNA damage to sperm and defects in male genital development.
Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may also affect infant behavior and intelligence. A recent study published in Neurotoxicology examined levels of phthalates found in the urine of pregnant women and behavior of newborn infants. Exposure to higher levels of phthalates was associated with significantly poorer tests of concentration and alertness in girls. Exposure to phthalates had less effects on concentration and alertness in newborn boys.
Much more research on the effects of phthalates and health are clearly needed.
Drinking water, milk and other fluids from glass containers instead of plastic containers can significantly reduce dietary phthalate exposures. (Of course, glass containers are at risk of breaking and must be handled with care.)