Shafaqna Health: A new study published in the journal *Environmental Health Perspectives* reveals that many commonly used skincare products, including lotions and sunscreens, contain harmful industrial chemicals known as phthalates. These chemicals, once absorbed into the human body, have been linked to serious health issues such as asthma, allergies, and cancers due to their disruptive effect on the endocrine system, which affects neurodevelopment, pulmonary, and immune functions.
“The study examined the breakdown products of different types of phthalates in children’s urine in relation to the use of skincare products,” explained Dr. Michael S. Bloom, the study’s corresponding author from George Mason University. The research aimed to differentiate between the health risks associated with low molecular weight phthalates found in skincare products and high molecular weight phthalates typically used in plastic packaging.
The findings indicated that children aged 4 to 8 who frequently use products like lotions, oils, and sunscreens have higher concentrations of phthalates in their urine. Additionally, patterns of using multiple skincare products were associated with elevated levels of phthalates and phthalate replacements, which are often used as plasticizers in packaging. The study also noted that these relationships varied based on race, ethnicity, and gender.
While consumers can check product labels for ingredients like phthalates, Dr. Bloom emphasized that this alone may not be sufficient to protect children from exposure. “The widespread use of these chemicals, lenient labeling requirements, and the potential for chemicals to migrate from packaging into products suggest that regulation may be the most effective strategy to reduce children’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in skincare products,” Bloom concluded.