Register for Product tests find harmful phthalates in fragrances, hair products, deodorants
Birth DefectsAugust 22, 2002
2002 AUG 22 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Christian Dior's Poison, Arrid Extra Extra Dry deodorant and Aqua Net Hair Spray are among many of the beauty and personal care products that contain one or more of the dangerous chemicals known as phthalates, according to "Not Too Pretty," a report released by the Environmental Working Group, Coming Clean and Health Care without Harm.
The groups contracted with a major national laboratory to test 72 name-brand, off-the-shelf beauty products for the presence of phthalates, a large family of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects in the male reproductive system. The lab found phthalates in 52 of the 72 products tested - or 72%. Only one of the products listed phthalates on the label.
"Chemicals that can damage the development and future fertility of babies don't belong in products marketed to women," said Bryony Schwan, coordinator of the Coming Clean campaign. "Phthalate-free products that perform as well are on the market for virtually every single phthalate-containing product."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has found surprisingly high levels of these chemicals in urine taken from women of childbearing age. This report focuses on one source of exposure: the cosmetics and beauty products women are using every day.
The products were chosen after reviewing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database of cosmetics that listed the phthalate DBP (dibutyl phthalate) as an ingredient. The products were tested for the presence of six other common phthalates as well. The products listed below contained one of the phthalates, while those noted with an asterisk contained more than one phthalate. The lab found more than one phthalate in 11 products.
Hundreds of animal studies have demonstrated that phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system, especially the developing testes. Phthalates are used as a plastic softener and solvent in many different consumer products. They can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled as fumes, ingested when they contaminate food or when children bite or suck on toys, and are inadvertently directly administered to patients from PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) medical devices.
According to one CDC study, 5% of women of reproductive age (an estimated 2 million women) may be getting up to 20 times more of the phthalate DBP than the average person in the population. The highest exposures for women of childbearing age were above the federal safety standard, creating a risk of reproductive birth defects, according to animal studies considered relevant to humans. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports.
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