Can phthalates and bisphenols from household products cause childhood allergies?

What's actually in it

Phthalates and bisphenols are in plastic food containers, personal care products, toys, and household items. Children are exposed through food, skin contact, and dust. These chemicals can alter how the immune system develops, potentially pushing it toward allergic reactions.

Childhood allergies, eczema, and asthma have been rising for decades. Researchers have been investigating whether chemical exposures early in life might be one reason.

What the research says

A 2025 study in Environ Pollut analyzed data from two birth cohort studies to see whether phthalate and bisphenol exposure was linked to allergic conditions. Higher exposure was linked to increased rates of eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in children. The associations were strongest for exposures during pregnancy.

Using two independent cohorts strengthened the findings. When both groups showed similar patterns, it's less likely the results are due to chance.

Reduce your family's exposure by choosing phthalate-free personal care products, storing food in glass instead of plastic, and keeping dust levels low through regular wet cleaning.