A new study from George Mason University’s College of Public Health has highlighted a concerning link between the use of personal care products and increased levels of phthalates in young children. The research, which focuses on products such as lotions, hair oils, conditioners, ointments, and sunscreen, underscores the potential risks associated with these chemicals known for their endocrine-disrupting properties.
Phthalates and Endocrine Disruption
Phthalates are chemicals commonly used in plastics to enhance flexibility and durability. They are also prevalent in many personal care products. These substances can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, raising concerns about their impact on children’s development during critical growth stages. “This is the first study to suggest that different skin care products used by young children may differentially increase exposure to endocrine-disrupting phthalates and phthalate replacements in young children,” said Michael S. Bloom, the study’s lead investigator and a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University.
Study Methodology and Findings
The study involved medical data from 630 children aged four to eight, collected from ten sites across the United States. The research included clinical examinations and urinalysis, alongside a detailed survey completed by parents or guardians. This survey asked about the child’s sociodemographic details and listed all skin care products used in the 24 hours before the examination, specifying product types and brands.
The results revealed significant associations between the recent use of various skin care products and higher concentrations of phthalates and their replacements. “We found associations between recent use of different skin care products and higher concentrations of phthalate and phthalate-replacement compounds,” Bloom reported. The study also identified variations in these associations based on the child’s racial and ethnic backgrounds and their sex assigned at birth.
Implications for Policy and Parental Choices
The findings suggest that the use of multiple skin care products can lead to higher levels of harmful chemicals in children. Bloom emphasized that these results could guide policies aimed at reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children’s products. “The results can inform policies to address the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in skin care products that may be used on children and to help advise parents’ decisions about using products to limit their children’s exposure to potential developmental toxicants,” he said.
This research highlights the urgent need for increased public awareness about the risks associated with regular exposure to these chemicals in children’s personal care products. As children’s hormonal balance is crucial for their healthy development, understanding and mitigating these risks is essential.