Are companies phasing phthalates out of their products?
It appears as though some phthalates are being phased out, while others are still being used; in some cases, companies even increased the usage of a particular phthalate. None of the products tested contained more than one phthalate. The fragrances, deodorants and hair sprays tested negative for dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP). Some companies are still using high levels of diethyl phthalate (DEP). DEP is linked to poor sperm quality, alterations in male sex hormones and feminization of the male reproductive tract. Animal studies have shown links to other health problems, such as reduced offspring size, liver abnormalities and elevated cholesterol. The five perfumes and colognes with the highest levels of DEP in 2002 all still showed more than 20,000 parts per million of that phthalate. Three of the fragrances Charlie, Wind Song by Prince Matchibelli and White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor had higher levels of
