[1] Phthalates are chemicals that soften plastic. That new toy and new shower curtain smell is phthalates off gassing. They’re also found in medical supplies such as IV tubes and drip bags, plastic food wrapping and containers, and most ubiquitously in fragrances of every description, from scented candles and (so-called) air fresheners, to fabric softeners and perfumes. Phthalates block androgens, or male hormones, and can interfere with normal genital development in boys. Guys, if you want to make a baby, leave the cologne in the medicine cabinet, blow out the scented candles, Stop nuking your food in plastic and toss the hair gel. Phthalates literally block androgen receptors, so that male hormones can’t plug in and give their male hormone messages to cells. At this moment in human history, those of us who live in industrialized countries can’t get away from phthalates — they’re literally everywhere. But we can minimize our exposure by reading labels and opting for cleaner, greener products.[2]