Children who use lotions have significant higher levels of phthalates

A new study found  that Children who use more personal care products like sunscreen, lotion, soaps and haircare items have higher levels of toxic phthalates and phthalate replacement chemicals in their bodies

Lets discuss

1. It is not new news that phthalates chemicals are often found in body lotion that contain fragrance. Phthalates are used to “ bind” synthetic fragrances to different products. Essentially, just about anytime you use a product that has a synthetic fragrance it will almost always contain a Phthalates or similar substitute chemical

2. A lesser discussed way in whichPhthalates make their way into body lotions ( and our bodies)  is via plastic containers. Chemicals in packaging migrate into the products

Concerns

Phthalates are well studied chemicals that are endocrine disruptors that can alter hormone production, and are linked to reproductive, immune system and metabolic diseases. They are also considered developmental toxicants that impact children’s behavior and learning ability.

• Reproductive harm: Pregnant women’s exposure to the phthalates DBP and DEHP has been associated with a shortened distance between the anus and genitals in their male babies, indicating a feminization had occurred during prenatal genital development.[15],[16]Shorter ano-genital distance is characteristic of female sex in both humans and animals.[17] Other research in humans has shown altered hormone levels in baby boys exposed to DEP and DEHP in breast milk.[18]

• The European Chemicals Agency classifies DEHP[19]and DBP[20] as reproductive toxicants. 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.

• Children are especially vulnerable to phthalates ( and all chemicals)because their metabolic systems/ ability to detoxify may not be fully developed to help process the compounds

The study

• The study looked at more than 600 urine samples from four- to eight-year-olds for phthalates

• The use of lotions like moisturizers or sunscreens, as well as oils, were associated with the highest levels in children

• Those who reported using lotions in the previous 24 hours showed higher levels of the type of phthalate that migrates from plastic into products, while hair product usage was strongly associated with the type of phthalates intentionally added to products.

• The study found boys tended to have higher levels than girls ( a surprise but a concern since phthalates are thought to effect boys reproductive system more aggressively  than girl’s) highest levels were found in Black and Latino children

• Cheaper products that are purchased from a dollar store instead of a higher end store are more likely to have product with higher levels of phthalates because it has likely been in a plastic tube for longer and potentially being subjected to higher heat, two issues that cause the chemicals to migrate at greater rates.

• Products that are labeled “phthalate-free” are typically more expensive, but that only means the chemicals were not intentionally added to the product. Phthalates from containers can still migrate into “phthalate-free” products and the study found no difference in the levels of the chemical in the urine of those who used “phthalate-free” products compared with those who did not.

Current Regulations

In the US

The Food and Drug Administration allows a limited number of phthalates to be added to personal care items, but there is no monitoring or limits on the amount of the chemical that can be in the product.

EU

13 phthalates are prohibited from use in cosmetics in the European Union

Our main source of phthalates exposure are thought to be processed foods, but other sources include:

• synthetic fragrance ( in personal care, cleaning products etc)

• Soft plastics

• construction materials,

• medical equipment

• Vitamins

What to look for ( and avoid!) in a label

• Phthalate

• DEP

• DBP

• DEHP

• Fragrance

Personal care products that are phthalate free and dont come in plastic

• baeo baby bare bar : Discount code:AIDAPICKS

• Under Luna shampoo and conditioner

• OSEA products ( handwash, facial care, moisturizers for older teens and adults)

Discount code: AIDASPICKS10

• Primally Pure ( baby product line include solid soap and more)

Discount: 3LITTLEPLUMS

Sources

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP13937

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/phthalates/#:~:text=Pronounced%20THAL%2Dates%2C%20these%20chemicals,remain%20prevalent%20in%20U.S.%20products.

https://measurlabs.com/blog/phthalates-testing-by-eu-regulations/