phthalates

A new study links phthalates, a common ingredient in the beauty aisle, to a higher risk of diabetes in women. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that those with larger levels of certain types of phthalates (mono-benzyl and mono-isobutyl) in their urine were at twice the risk of diabetes. And di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which has been found in some fragrances, may increase the possibility of diabetes up to 70 percent. "This is an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes," said lead scientist Dr. Tamarra James-Todd.

Companies use this "plasticizer" to preserve the scent in skin care products, give hair spray movement, and diminish cracking in nail polish. But phthalates have garnered negative attention as they are thought to mimic and disrupt hormones. Currently the FDA has no official regulations regarding the chemical in beauty, but they do advise manufacturers to choose safer alternatives to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) or DEHP when it comes to their inclusion in certain drug and biologic products. Keep reading for more.

Interesting news on the cosmetic-safety front this week: the President's Cancer Panel has released a report on the thousands of chemicals Americans use on a daily basis. Its conclusion: environmental exposure to some chemicals in air, food, water — and yes, personal care products — is placing people in "grievous harm." The number of cancers linked to these chemicals, the report says, has been "grossly underestimated."

The report (which is worth reading) spans subjects from fertilizers to military activities, but let's focus on personal care products. Environmental activists have long questioned the safety of endocrine-disrupting ingredients like phthalates and parabens, both of which are commonly used in cosmetics. But the PCP is as mainstream as it gets, and it says phthalates disrupt the body's natural hormone system. Its report acknowledges that more research into these ingredients is needed and suggests taking a "precautionary approach" to them for now.

To find out what's next, and what the American Cancer Society has to say, keep reading

Could shampoo or lotion be doing more than just keeping you clean? It's quite possible, according to a new study by researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Their article in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives finds that three types of common chemicals may affect female development.

The study focused on phenols, phthalates, and phytoestrogens — all of which interfere with the body's endocrine system. These ingredients are frequently found in grooming products such as antiperspirant, lipstick, and shampoo. To find out why the news is troubling, keep reading.

The last thing mommy wants to do is add another worry to her already fret-worthy list, but this one may be worth noting. We all know that plastics can contain BPA and other harmful toxins, but we don't always know why they are hazardous. Fortunately, scientists are doing the dirty work for us and informing us of yet another reason to steer clear of items containing phthalates. In a recent study, British researchers found that certain phthalates were not only affecting male genitalia, but their behavior, too. Boys who were exposed to higher amounts of the chemical were less interested in the stereotypical car toys and less apt to play in a rough and tumble manner. Elizabeth Salter-Green, director of the chemicals campaign group CHEM Trust said:

We now know that phthalates, to which we are all constantly exposed, are extremely worrying from a health perspective, leading to disruption of male reproduction health and, it appears, male behavior too... This feminizing capacity of phthalates makes them true 'gender benders'.

While the EU banned such toxins from toys years ago, the US has yet to make such dramatic (and in my opinion, necessary) moves. This is just another good reminder why us moms should speak up and let our voices be known. Join the Million Baby Crawl and speak your mama mind!