Available online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21594692 August 14, 2014. [24]  Exposure to phthalates, especially DBP and DEHP, can reduce fetal testosterone production, and these anti-androgenic effects may alter fetal cell differentiation and function, leading to altered male genital development. 112, no. The female reproductive system may be less sensitive to phthalate exposure than the male reproductive system,[28] although a few studies have found female reproductive effects. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. An analysis of the 1999-2000 data from the CDC’s National Biomonitoring Program found metabolites of DEP in all 2,540 samples and metabolites of DBP in 99% of samples. Available online: http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/93/1/189.full.pdf+html. A petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging its pores. What are Phthalates? None of the 72 products tested had phthalates listed on the labels. 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. Female laboratory rats chronically exposed to DBP and other phthalates showed altered sex hormones and increased likelihood of fetal loss. [16] Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Glossary of Exposures: https://www.bcpp.org/resource/phthalates/, [17] Swan SH, et al., Decrease in Anogenital Distance among Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure. Phthalates share a similar chemical structure and are widely used in consumer products.MORE... Two are widely used in personal care products: 1) dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in nail polish, and is listed by the EU as an endocrine-disrupting compound of high concern. Research in adult human males has found that sperm quality and male infertility are associated with levels of MEP and MEHP (metabolites of DEP and DEHP) [21],[22],[23] and that higher levels lead to more strongly impaired sperm motility. [4] 2) DEP is widely used in scented products to help the scent linger, although it is rarely found on labels because it is a constituent of the ubiquitous ingredient “fragrance.” A third phthalate, Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) is found in eyelash glue, and is widely used in other consumer products. [40], VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. [4] Byrdie.14 ‘5 free’ nail polish brands. 2, pp 115-41, 2011. Dibutyl phthalate. [14] The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX). 3 MOONS is a skincare solution, in which the range of products focuses on effective treatment rather than covering imperfections. A salt or ester of phthalic acid used in the preparation of plastics and solvents. BB Cream. He won the Edward J. Meeman Award for Environmental Reporting. [19]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). 22, pp 688-695, 2007. DEP is also used in fragranced products to help the scent stay on longer. August 18, 2014. Because they are in so … [25],[26],[27], The female reproductive system may be less sensitive to phthalate exposure than the male reproductive system,[28] although a few studies have found female reproductive effects. Climacteric, vol. REGULATIONS: DBP[1] and DEHP[2] are banned in cosmetics sold in the EU. Long words are a little bit intimidating, … [7] Of the samples tested, only four had phthalate levels above the reporting limit – the majority (26 out of 30) had no detectable phthalate … [29] A study of infertile couples found significantly exposure to DEP among infertile men and higher DEP and DBP exposure among infertile women. 68, pp 1995-2003, 2005. 67, pp 2025-2035, 2004. [18] FOUND IN: Color cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products, nail polish and treatment. [34] National Toxicology Program. [15],[16]Shorter ano-genital distance is characteristic of female sex in both humans and animals. Available online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1241863/pdf/ehp0112-000331.pdf August 14, 2014. Later independent research conducted at the University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, analyzed 30 baby skin care products for 17 phthalates. Candidate list of substances of very high concern for authorization: DBP. 93, no. Examples of Organic Chemistry in Everyday Life, The Safest Type of Water Bottle to Drink From. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make products more liquid and less dry. [40], Endocrine disruption: The European commission has determined that there is sufficient evidence that DBP and DEHP leads to endocrine disruption in living organism. Phthalates work as softeners in personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoo, as well as flexible plastics like children’s toys. Environmental Research, vol. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15513900, http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/139/2/427.full.pdf+html, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1519124/pdf/envhper00355-0058.pdf, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24228746/, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0438.html. Available online: https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.829 August 13, 2014. 3, pp 331-338, 2002. 114, pp 270-276, 2006. [Internet]. 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. Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. But such labels remain to be seen, even though 99 percent of cosmetics contain one or more untested ingredients. Health: SLS and SLES can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, especially with long-term use.SLES may also be contaminated with a substance called 1,4-dioxane, which is … Levels of DEP metabolites were higher among non-Hispanic blacks, perhaps due to frequent and prolonged use of products marketed specifically to girls and women of color. HOW TO AVOID: Read the labels on nail products, and choose options that do not contain DBP. [12] The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX). It also provides information on many other chemical compounds found in products beyond just cosmetics, including sunscreens, baby products, and toothpaste. In field research, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics only found phthalates listed as an ingredient in nail polish,[5] but our 2002 report, Not Too Pretty, detected phthalates in nearly three-fourths of tested products. August 18, 2014. August 13, 2014. FOUND IN: Color cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products, nail polish and treatment, WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:  phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and fragrance, WHAT ARE PHTHALATES? Toxicological Science, vol. August 18, 2014. Pronounced THAL-ates, these chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but still remain prevalent in U.S. products. Dibutyl phthalates. [26] Main KM, et al., Human breast milk contamination with phthalates and alterations of endogenous reproductive hormones in infants three months of age. None of the 72 products tested had phthalates listed on the labels. Two are widely used in personal care products: 1) dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in nail polish, and is listed by the EU as an endocrine-disrupting compound of high concern. 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. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, vol. Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. August 18, 2014. Triclosan was all … [10], HEALTH CONCERNS: Endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer MORE... [21] Hauser R, et al., DNA damage in human sperm is related to urinary levels of phthalate monoester and oxidative metabolites. Available online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1367843/pdf/ehp0114-000270.pdf. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, vol. 1, pp 189-95, 2006. [6] Houlihan J, Brody C, Schwan B (2002). 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.”. [37] Alam MS., et al., Induction of spermatogenic cell apoptosis in prepubertal rat testes irrespective of testicular steroidogenesis: a possible estrogenic effect of di(n-butyl) phthalate. 114, pp 270-276, 2006. August 18, 2014. Not Too Pretty: Phthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA. [40] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [34],[35] DBP has been shown to cause proliferation of breast tumor cells and to make anti-estrogen treatments, such as tamoxifen, less effective against tumors. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Available online: http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidate-list-table August 13, 2014. Available online: http://endocrinedisruption.org/popup-chemical-details?chemid=527 August 13, 2014. [8] Manori JS, et al., Urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites in a human reference population. [32] Borch J, et al., Mechanisms underlying the anti-androgenic effects of diethylhelxyl phthalate in fetal rat testis. Available online: http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/3/688.full.pdf+html. & Hanke W., Exposure to phthalates: reproductive outcome and children health. Phthalates (THAL-ates) are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. A variety of environmentally persistent chemicals, including some phthalate plasticizers, are weakly estrogenic. 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. [11]  In addition, the Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) includes DEP,[12] DEHP,[13] and DBP[14] as endocrine disruptors. [31] Jurewicz J. NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards: naphtha (coal tar). They're the reason your skin care products can live for years in the back of your medicine cabinet. It has been very difficult, however, to determine the minimum level of exposure when these problems arise. [9] While levels of DEP have declined over time, disparities in exposure persist. 113, pp 1056-1061, 2005. [11]  In addition, the Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) includes DEP,[12] DEHP,[13] and DBP[14] as endocrine disruptors. May be used as a synthetic additive. 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. Other Common Products Include: [10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1280349/. Phthalates help fragrances and perfumes adhere to skin. By Zoe Dubs. Non-hispanic whites have the lowest levels. The best way to avoid consuming or applying phthalates directly to the skin is to make your own products. Phthalates. [22] Jurewicz J. [15] Swan SH, et al., Decrease in Anogenital Distance among Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure. [25] Swan SH, et al., Decrease in Anogenital Distance among Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure. They get metabolized in our bodies and excreted through our urine and bile. What are Phthalates? [27] Swan SH., Environmental phthalate exposure in relation to reproductive outcomes and other health endpoints in human. 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