Also, some EOs can be harmful in their naturally occurring form. Bergamot EO, for example, causes acute photo sensitivity in skin, making one more susceptible to sunburn. The synthetic reproduces the scent molecules without the phototoxic side effects. In other words, essential oils like Bergamot are much more harmful to you and your babies than their synthetic equivalents.

I don’t think we can equate the use of “synthetics” with Babel-like rebellion against God either. After all, what is a “synthetic” anyway? It’s simply a produce of naturally occurring chemical reactions that are perfectly harmonious with the order of God’s creation.

There remains only a single study of the “effects” of phthalates in people, using an extremely limited test sample of subjects, and concluded only that phthalates were present in the urine of these subjects. The harmfulness of the substance wasn’t drawn from the study, but was simply inferred.

Multiple other studies show phthalates to be completely benign. Yes, they enter the system, but they are flushed right through and have no buildup in any part of the body. That’s why it’s present in the urine. It would be much more cause for alarm if phthalates were being absorbed but were NOT found in any natural waste products.

In this case, I think this study is a result of a bunch of pure naturalists with overactive imaginations and an axe to grind with the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

In all honesty, no offense was (or is) intended, but when you start talking generally about how synthetic products are man’s evil attempt to one-up God, you are being silly. I thought to reply in kind.

Aside from that, the entire worry rests (as far as I can tell, granting that I didn’t research the issue at all beyond the first two pages of Google) on a single study which, if true, only demonstrates the presence of phthalates (a frequent component of plastics, hence my satire) in baby urine. For every link you can dig up claiming that phthalates are the next great threat to civilization, I can dig one up claiming the opposite, and both of them will claim some “indisputable evidence” to support their side. Such is the nature of sensationalist medicine and activism, and that’s why neither is to be particularly trusted. You say the pro-phthalates are corporate shills, I say the anti-phthalates are granola-bar hippie freaks. Tempers flare. Dirt is scuffed up in the opponents’ general direction. A certain steely squint appears in the eye. Promising friendships are mercilessly snuffed out by callous individuals on blogs! The old story.

Seriously, if you want to be worried about stuff on this level, don’t let me throw a wet blanket on the party. There are certainly plenty of opportunities in the world today, and plenty of people who will help it along. Personally, if I get in the mood to worry about something, I’ll probably just fall back on the asbestos pipe insulation in the basement. Or my phthalate-infested CPVC/PEX water supply system, pumping water out onto my phthalate-contaminated vinyl shower curtain. Or sheesh, forget that! Around here you can worry about single-shelled tanks and cesium in the water supply! Yes, I really am just that shallow and apathetic. All is vanity.

Getting back to the original point, forgive my inability to pass up the opportunity for a witty and cynical remark. It’s a fault of mine.

Cordially, and in only the best of humor,

Matt

Plastics aren’t necessarily bad. Phthalates are.

Har?

I mean…*yeah*. Darn’ scientists trying to steal the glory. I wish they’d stop making plastic, too. Don’t they know that’s what God made wood for?

I’m not sure what our country should do to turn this around. I’m all for capitalism but frankly I wish that fast food was made to be more cost prohibitive and that our food system was regulated to ban or minimize the amount of corn syrup and artificial ingredients allowed in food.

But really it doesn’t matter because the general American public doesn’t care. They don’t care what is in their food as long as it tastes good. The rest of us in the minority will continue running up and down the internet streets and posting to our blogs about the dangers of this and that and everyone will smile and nod or roll their eyes and continue about their typical American lives.

How’s that for pessimism.

P.S. I hate phthalates.

Dawn: I used to like Bath and Bodyworks a lot and I still like some of their fragrances, but Lush is so totally worth it. It’s not like I take long luxurious baths every day anyway … I think I have used on average 2 bath bombs a year since I got married. :)