Phthalates

What They Are: Chemicals that give plastic its resilience and flexibility

Found In: Toys, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, detergents, food packaging, shampoos

Health Hazards: Animal studies show reduced sperm counts and reproductive abnormalities; evidence of a link to liver cancer in humans

What You Should Know: Congress passed legislation in 2008 to ban six phthalates from toys and cosmetics

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