A Common Phthalate Is Killing Thyroid Cells
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is destroying thyroid cells. Not slowly. Through a violent inflammatory process called pyroptosis, where cells literally burst open and dump their contents into surrounding tissue.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study in Annals of Medicine showed that DBP exposure causes thyroid toxicity by triggering follicular cell pyroptosis through the NRF2/KEAP1/NF-κB pathway. Follicular cells are the cells that make thyroid hormones. When they die, your thyroid can't do its job.
Your thyroid controls metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, and brain development. Damage to thyroid cells means potential weight gain, fatigue, depression, and in pregnant women, developmental problems for the baby.
Where Dibutyl Phthalate Hides
DBP is used as a plasticizer in nail polish, hair spray, insect repellents, and some food packaging. It's also in some pharmaceutical coatings and printing inks. If your personal care products list "fragrance" as an ingredient, there's a good chance phthalates are in there.
What You Can Do
Read labels on cosmetics and personal care products. Choose "phthalate-free" and "fragrance-free" options. Avoid plastic food containers, especially for hot food. Get your thyroid levels checked if you're tired all the time and can't figure out why.
Browse our non-toxic home essentials for phthalate-free products.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.