Pthalates are plastic softeners and they are found in many things incluidng bottles, plastics on the dashboard of cars, your nail polish, toys and even in the coatings of prescription and over the counter drugs like omeprazole (generic for Prilosec used for ulcers and heartburn treatment). Even in small amounts in the human body they mimic certain hormones and predispose to reproductive system abnormalities, certain cancers like those of the breast and even neurologic disease. The feds under Bush did little to address the issue over the years, no doubt under pressure from the chemical industry amongst others. It is finally being banned but items produced through Februaury 10 th can still be sold with the toxin. My advice? Check production dates. If it is Chinese aside from all the other potential garbage that their products may contain- who knows if it has phthalates. I would not trust any information that your retailer (including Walmart) might supply about product safety. Buy products made in America whenever you possibly can so at least you have a chance of something being less contaminated.By the way, this is an issue for the $4.00 prescriptions from Walmart, Frys, Krogers, etc. They are mostly all Chinese and all bets are off regarding Phthalates.(I plan to get a statement from Walmart by the way.) Any nail polish or for that matter hair and face rinses, creams, etc may have the double whammy of estrogens AND phthalates. Try to buy natural or organic- although even this is NOT a guarantee of safety. I am a small time manufacturer so, forgive my plug , but it is for this reason that I have produced my line (Dr B) of cosmetics and cleansers/soaps. It was originally for my family and now for my patients. They are free of this stuff and of petroleum products like anti freeze. There are stores poppng up across the country (I know of one in Scottsdale.) that sell a greater percentage of "safe" body products. I suggest that you seek them out. The life and well being of your family will depend on this.   Sam