Other articles by Rosemary Sadez Friedmann:

Strive to reduce indoor pollution High ceilings can challenge decorating You can prepare your home to suit your aging 'New look' in furniture is gentler Changeable sectionals remain popular Bathrooms claim rightful place in home Accessorize creatively to avoid dull room You can paint like a pro Colored light affects mood, productivity Avoid decorating mistakes

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Termite Tech FT Administrative & Professional
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JEWISH FEDERATION OF SO AZ Administrative & Professional
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Old Pueblo Practice Management
Surgical/Medical Biller/Coder

Have you heard about phthalates? Most health-conscious people will say they've at least seen something about them.

Phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates) are petroleum-derived plasticizers that are commonly used to make PVC plastic soft and pliable and to release synthetic fragrances into the air. These plasticizers are found in plastic shower curtains, toys, food wraps, fingernail polish, air fresheners and even hair sprays. They leach out of the product so we inhale them or ingest them if we eat foods stored in PVC containers or plastic wraps.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that phthalates are so widespread they probably are present in everyone's body. An effect of high exposure to phthalates could be asthma and other respiratory problems. Some research has found de-masculinized traits in baby boys whose mothers were highly exposed to plasticizers during pregnancy.

Phthalates also act as fertilizers for breast, uterine, testicular, prostate and other cancers. In general, plasticizers in our air and in our food act like a monkey wrench in the normal chemistry of hormones.

The U.S. National Toxicology Program claims there is insignificant evidence as of now that phthalates are causing human harm, but there are many who try to avoid them, pending further investigations, whenever possible.

So what does this have to do with interior design? Plenty. You see, phthalates are also found in many household furnishings such as flooring, furniture and countertops. There are alternatives, though. Natural materials can be purchased and are more readily available now since many consumers have become increasingly aware of the dangers of many plastic chemicals as well as other toxins.

When buying new or remodeling, consider opting for non-PVC flooring. Use natural materials such as cork, concrete, ceramic tile, wood and bamboo. Search for products that are made without phthalates.

Ask your architect, builder or designer for alternative products for your home that do not contain phthalates. You can research some of the products yourself if you have use of a computer. Some helpful Web sites include www.TheGreen Guide.com, www. EnvironmentalHome Center.com and www.usgb.org (U.S. Green Building Council), which is full of information on healthy building products.

Some food storage products have less toxic materials. Choose containers labeled with recycling codes 2, 4 or 5. They still have phthalates, but not as much as other plastic containers. And there are plastic wraps that are phthalate-free, including Glad Cling Wrap, Saran Cling Plus and Best Yet Clear Plastic Wrap. If the product says 'stretchy' or 'flexible' it likely contains phthalates.

When purchasing household cleaners, read the labels and choose cleaners that specifically list plant essential oils. Those do not contain phthalates.