Be careful, these everyday cosmetics may harm your health

A quick swipe of sunscreen, a spritz of hairspray and a bit of perfume can make your morning makeup look minimal and harmless. But did you know that you may have already been exposed to potentially harmful chemicals? Phthalates, commonly found in several daily makeup products, can gradually enter the body.

Phthalates are colorless, odorless chemicals, often called plasticizers, used in cosmetics and personal care products. The most common types of phthalates include dibutyl phthalate (DBP) found in nail polishes to reduce cracking, dimethyl phthalate (DMP) found in hairsprays to create a flexible coating, and diethyl phthalate (DEP) used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances.

According to the FDA, although DBP and DMP are rarely used, DEP is still commonly found in cosmetics estimates.

Potential effects of phthalates:

There are phthalates disrupting hormonal balance chemicals that can affect hormones, which affects development and fertility. Higher levels of phthalates are associated with lower sperm concentration and motility in men, while girls exposed to higher levels of phthalates may experience early puberty.

Research has shown this pregnant women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine are at greater risk of premature birth. Scientists too excellent that offspring exposed to phthalates prenatally may be at risk of achieving lower scores on indicators of mental and psychomotor development at the age of 6 months.

In addition to reproductive health and development, regular exposure to phthalates can damage various organ systems and impact longevity. Studies have shown links between high levels of phthalate exposure early death in older people.

Studies have shown that not all forms of phthalates are carcinogenic, but exposure to some types may increase the risk of developing estrogen receptors. breast cancer.

How to reduce your daily exposure: :

Under FDA regulations, companies must state on the label whether their products contain them, so checking labels and avoiding personal care products containing phthalates can help reduce your exposure. However, cosmetics and personal care products are not the only sources. Phthalates can also enter the body through packaged foods plastic that contains these chemicals. Using phthalate-free, microwave-safe containers can reduce this risk.

Other potential sources include carpets, upholstery, wall coverings and wood finishes. The risk of exposure is greater if you work in painting, printing or processing plastics. Additionally, people with medical conditions such as kidney disease or hemophilia may be at greater risk of exposure because intravenous tubing and other materials made of phthalates are often used during kidney dialysis and blood transfusions. Patients suffering from these conditions should request medical devices that do not contain phthalates.