Phthalates are chemicals widely used in food packaging, cosmetics,and childrens toys.Research suggests they can interfere with hormone function, and that they are associated with obesity, allergies, and other health concerns in both children and adults.
Phthalates may also increase insulin resistance, raising the risk of diabetes.
Now, a study in women has shown that increased exposure to phthalates over a prolonged period may contribute to a higher risk of diabetes.
Plastics are everywhere, and they are extremely useful. They package our food and drink, they are in many of our clothes, and are also in our personal care products. They are even in the water we drink and the air we breathe in the form of microplastics.
While they may be useful, increasing scientific evidence is suggesting that some components of plastics may be harmful to human health.
One hormone likely to be affected by phthalates is insulin, which controls blood glucose (sugar) levels and makes glucose available to cells.
