Do Phthalates in Cosmetics cause Adverse health Effects?

Commonly found in cosmetics, learn why some phthalates such as dibutyl phthalate have been linked with cancer, neurotoxicity and male reproductive problems.

Virtually omnipresent in the modern world, phthalates are synthetic chemicals with multifunctional properties. Known as plasticizers, they are added to plastics to make them flexible and resilient, and are used to manufacture medical devices, vinyl flooring, garden hoses and children’s toys.

Originally intended for industrial purposes, phthalates have also made their way as solvents into personal care products such as shampoo, hairspray, nail polish, perfume and many other cosmetics. Despite escalating proof from research studies that link phthalates to adverse health effects, and their ban in cosmetics in the European Union, they continue to be unregulated and widely used in the United States and Canada.

The Link between Phthalates and Adverse Health Effects

Some studies have shown compelling evidence of the dangers of specific phthalates. Environment California, a California based environmental advocacy group, reports that one of the dangers of phthalates includes early puberty in girls. As reported by them, a Puerto Rico study concluded that young girls who experienced premature breast development had seven times higher concentrations of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in their bodies than the control group. DEHP is a common plasticizer used in the hospital setting in medical tubing and blood bags.

Other studies have linked DEHP to male reproductive problems such as genital defects and reduced testosterone production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified DEHP as a possible carcinogen based on animal studies. And the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its September 2001 report to health care providers stated that male infants and young boys may have a risk of testicular abnormalities with prolonged exposure of DEHP.

Based on several animal studies, there is mounting evidence that dibutyl phthalate (DBT), a type of phthalate, can have adverse effects on the reproductive system of a male fetus whose mother is exposed to the chemical in pregnancy. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, a nonprofit environmental research organization, gives it a high hazard score of 10 and potentially links it with many health risks such as cancer, reproductive toxicity, respirative toxicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. DBT is widely found in popular brands of nail polishes, nail treatments and cuticle treatments.

A groundbreaking study done on humans, linked prenatal phthalate exposure with male reproductive problems, validating earlier results from rodent studies. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the study collected data from 85 mother-son pairs. High levels of phthalates found in urine samples of mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy, correlated with higher than normal level of abnormalities in the genital development casino online of their sons.

The Verdict on Phthalates

The long-term safety of phthalates is a controversial topic made confusing on one hand by studies from environmental organizations that demonstrate their dangers and on the other by the “industry sponsored” Phthalate Information Center that assures their safety, when used in specified concentrations and amounts. The Phthalate Information Center recently reported a 2009 German Study that concluded that there was no link phthalate exposure and sperm damage in humans.

While the final verdict on these everyday chemicals is not out yet, many environmental agencies and some health care professionals urge people to get more informed about the common toxins lurking in our homes and in the environment. In addition to minimizing exposure to them, they suggest that citizens put continual pressure through organizations such as The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics on government agencies to better regulate their use. Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the Arizona Center of Integrative Medicine says, “Given all the chemicals in our environment, chances are we”re all contaminated. The issue is what you can do personally – and what we can do as a society – to reduce the burden.”

Sources:

Environment California; Phthalates Overview. (accessed, April 29, 2010)

Environmental Health Perspectives; Environmental Levels of Phthalates Adversely Affect Male Reproductive Development in Humans. (accessed, April, 29, 2010)

American Chemistry; New Study Finds no Link between Phthalate Exposure and Sperm Damage in Humans. (accessed, April 30, 2010)

Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database; Di-butyl Phthalate. (accessed, April, 30, 2010)

Official Website of Dr. Andrew Weil; Body Burden Testing for Toxins. (accessed, April, 29, 2010)

USA Today; Common Chemicals May Cause Defects in Baby Boys. (accessed, April 30, 2010)

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; FDA Report Identifies DEHP Exposure Risks. (accessed, April 29, 2010)

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics; Get Involved. (accessed, April 30, 2010)