I've been hearing a lot lately about phthalates, and what I'm hearing is scary. I'm told they exist in lots of products I use every day, from shampoo to deodorant and even in some foods. I've heard they even have possibly been affecting testosterone levels in male babies. What's the truth about phthalates? Should I be worried about them? Should I be warning my nieces and nephews about them?

Given all the recent media attention, I understand your concern regarding the potential health risks of phthalates — a group of chemicals that allow plastics to become flexible without breaking. Rest assured, however, that overwhelming scientific evidence has proven repeatedly that these compounds pose no harm to either children or adults.

You may have read claims that link phthalate exposure to reproductive effects in young children, but fortunately, these claims lack any credible scientific data and have been dismissed altogether by the mainstream scientific community. Nevertheless, the media has seized on this story and turned it into a whirlwind of misinformation that continues to needlessly scare parents and relatives.

Phthalates are one of the most extensively studied chemicals and are a perfectly safe and necessary substance with many lifesaving benefits, such as I.V. bags used by hospitals.

Any allegations depicting phthalates as dangerous are irresponsible. Therefore, please don’t worry about any phthalate exposure that your nieces or nephews may have had, and instead, focus on the more important safety issues, such as ensuring they wear bike helmets and use seat belts properly.

Jeff Stier is the Associate Director of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH).

Published: July 27. 2010