Perfumes and Personal Care Products: The Hidden Risks to Your Health
Perfumes and personal care products are often assumed to be a minor exposure compared to the numerous pollutants in our environment. However, scientists and clinicians are increasingly raising alarms over the use of phthalates, a group of chemicals found in many fragrances, nail polishes, and hair care products.
Phthalates have been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes, including insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and impaired neurodevelopment. A study published in the JAMA Network Open found that higher concentrations of phthalates were linked to a 25% increased risk of hyperactivity problems among adolescents. Another study of the same cohort found that increased phthalate exposure was associated with poorer performance in math.
The concerns over childhood exposure to phthalates are so high that in the United States, certain types of the chemical are banned in children’s toys and items such as pacifiers and baby bottles.
Andrea Gore, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Texas at Austin, advises everyone to reduce their exposure to phthalates. She recommends avoiding added fragrances in perfumes, scented lotions, shampoos, and even scented detergents and antiperspirants.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in everyday products and can mimic and interfere with our body’s hormones. According to the Endocrine Society, hundreds of chemicals may be endocrine disruptors – if not more. PFAS are a well-known group of chemicals considered EDCs, and others, such as phthalates and parabens, are commonly found in soaps, shampoos, and beauty products.
Scientists find the data so convincing that they recommend reducing exposure to EDCs by switching personal care products to those without EDCs. Adopting a streamlined personal care routine and using phthalate-free products can potentially have a big impact over a short period. For instance, a 2023 study of 41 women found that after 28 days of switching to phthalate-free and paraben-free products, they had reduced levels of these chemicals in their urine as well as reductions in gene expression associated with cancer in their breast tissue.
To reduce your exposure, make reasonable changes to your lifestyle and resources, and consider alternatives to heating food or drinks in plastic. You can also switch to phthalate-free products and adopt a streamlined personal care routine.
As a doctor, it is essential to pick our health care battles wisely. However, the data on phthalates and EDCs is too compelling to ignore. The risks to our health and the potential for heritable effects on future generations are too great to ignore.
