Phthalates in Cosmetics
Are Phthalates in Cosmetics
Dangerous?
Campaign Alerts
Consumers to Health Risks of Phthalates in Many Cosmetics
The non-profit Environmental
Working Group launched the Not Too Pretty campaign to raise awareness
about the dangers of phthalates,
industrial chemicals that are used as solvents in many cosmetics.
Most of the mainstream hair
sprays, deodorants, nail polishes and perfumes that millions of people use
every day contain these harmful chemicals.
Phthalates are also employed
as plastic softeners in many different consumer products, including children’s
toys and medical devices.
Why Are Phthalates Dangerous?
Shown to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive
systems in animal studies, phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or
inhaled.
Scientists at government
agencies in both the U.S. and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could
cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in people.
It has been very difficult,
however, to determine the minimum level of exposure when these problems arise.
For many of us, our exposure
to phthalates may be low on any given day, but we absorb these small quantities
of chemicals frequently, over decades.
Manufacturers
use phthalates because they cling to the skin and nails to give perfumes, hair
gels and nail polishes more staying power.
But a recent study by the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that five percent
of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their
bodies than researchers initially hypothesized.
CDC found phthalates in
virtually every person tested, but the largest concentrations -- 20 times
higher than the rest of the population -- were found in women of child-bearing
age.
Another study, led by Dr.
Shanna Swan of the University of Missouri, identified developmental
abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their
mothers’ bodies.
More studies associated
phthalates breast cancer and with hormonal disruptions in young girls and
women.
Currently, potential links to
obesity and metabolic issues are being investigated.
Industry Group Denies Risk
Meanwhile, the industry-backed American Chemistry Council
asserts, “There is no reliable evidence
that any phthalate has ever caused a health problem for a human from its
intended use.”
The
group accuses organizations of “cherry
picking” results “showing impacts on
test animals to create unwarranted concern about these products.”
But EWG spokesperson Lauren
E. Sucher urges people - especially women who are pregnant, nursing or planning
on becoming pregnant - to avoid phthalates.
EWG maintains a free online
database named "Skin Deep," which list lotions, creams and polishes
that contain phthalates.
It also provides information
on many other chemical compounds found in products beyond just cosmetics,
including sunscreens, baby products, and toothpaste.
Banned in Europe, Not U.S. or
Canada
A 2003 European Union directive bans phthalates in cosmetics
sold in Europe, but U.S. and Canadian regulators have not been so proactive,
despite mounting evidence of potential harm.
Health advocates were
temporarily relieved when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced
that it would begin enforcing a 1975 law requiring labels on products with
ingredients that haven't been safety tested.
But such labels remain to be
seen, even though 99 percent of cosmetics contain one or more untested
ingredients.
Edited by Frederic Beaudry
Frederic Beaudry is an associate professor of environmental science and a wildlife biologist with interests in a broad range of environmental issues.
Experience
Dr. Beaudry teaches courses in environmental
sciences at Alfred University,
New York. Prior to teaching, he worked as a wildlife biologist focusing on the
ecology and conservation of birds and turtles. He has authored several
scientific papers on land use and conservation. His current research examines
land use changes and their effects on bird and amphibian communities.
Education
Dr. Beaudry has a BS in Biology from the
Université du Québec à Rimouski, a master's degree in Natural Resources from
Humboldt State University, and a PhD in Wildlife Ecology from the University of
Maine. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison.
Frederic Beaudry
"Strong science has
greatly developed our understanding of environmental issues in the last decade.
I am hoping to connect readers with sound information about new developments
affecting our air, water, soil, and biodiversity. We are in charge of our
health, that of our land, and of the plants and animals that depend on
it."
https://www.thoughtco.com/are-phthalates-in-cosmetics-dangerous-1204027
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