New study: Overusing
Cosmetics may trigger early Menopause
A group of chemicals known as Pthalates have been found
to increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity. And now new research from
Washington University, Missouri, indicates they may also cause early
Menopause. Study shows that exposure to phthalates, through the standard
cosmetics and other products could cause women to go through menopause as much
as 2.3 years earlier than they normally would. Not only would that be
inconvenient, but it could be dangerous, as early onset menopause can cause a
number of other health problems. Previous researches have ultimately linked
early menopause with higher rates of bone loss, heart problems and strokes in
women.
"Early menopause has a lot of impact on your
health," said Dr. Natalia Grindler, an obstetrician-gynecologist at
Washington University's School of Medicine and one of the authors of the study,
at this week's American Society of Reproductive Medicine conference in San
Diego. "We absolutely think these chemicals have the potential to affect
ovarian function and human reproduction."
In the study, Grindler and her colleagues examined the
levels of phthalates in the blood or urine of 5,700 women. Those with the
highest amounts were found to have gone through menopause an average of 2.3
years before the others. Menopause typically occurs in women around the age of
51, so those exposed to the highest levels of phthalates were going through it
at around age 49.
But Grindler told those at the conference that some women
may be reaching menopause 15 years early, in their mid-30s. She suggested that
the women may not only have been exposed to phthalates through makeup, but also
through the eating of more packaged foods.
What are
Phthalates?
Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more
flexible and to help hair spray, nail polish, and perfume, adhere to your hair
and skin. They’re also used as solvents, to help dissolve materials into a solution.
You’ll find them in hundreds of products, including:
* Vinyl flooring
* Detergents
* Lubricating oils
* Plastic clothes (like raincoats)
* Automotive plastics
* Plastic bags, garden hoses, inflatable toys
* Personal care products like soaps, shampoos, hair
sprays, nail polishes
* Packaged foods
Phthalates have been linked to all sorts of health
problems, and have also been found to be widespread. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers have found measurable
levels in the general population, indicating that “phthalate exposure is
widespread in the U.S. population.”
Further, the CDC states that adult women have higher
levels than men do of phthalates used in soaps, body washes, shampoos,
cosmetics, and other personal care products.
So how can you look for products without these
potentially harmful chemicals? Read the ingredients in all of your beauty
products. According to the organization Pollution in People, you can identify
phthalates in your beauty products by their chemical names, or abbreviations.
DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in
things like nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, hair gels and hand
lotions. BzBP is also used in some personal-care products.
How to Reduce Your
Exposure?
More and more studies are linking these chemicals to
serious health problems. Taking steps to reduce your exposure to phthalates is
a no-brainer:
* Try toxin-free nail polish (often called “3-free”),
like that made by Vapor Beauty, or go without nail polish completely.
* Choose natural deodorants as often as you can.
* Do your research on your makeup—buy only from companies
that care about using safe ingredients; check out my post for where to shop for
safer ingredients.
* Phthalates are commonly found in synthetic air
fresheners including spray, gel and plug-in varieties. Those that claim “all
natural ingredients” may still contain phthalates. Flowers, potpourri (without
synthetic additives), or an open window are healthier ways to freshen your
home.
* Seek out eco-friendly cleaning products, or make your
own. Lotions, cleansers, scented candles, laundry detergents and other personal
care and household products that list “fragrance”, “perfume” or even “natural
fragrance” as ingredients often contain phthalates. Choosing products, which
are scented only with essential oils or are labeled as “phthalate-free”, helps
to reduce exposure to phthalates through personal care products.
* Buy unpackaged produce, or use products only from
companies that use non-leachable packaging.
* Use glass whenever possible instead of plastic.
* Eat less processed food. Food, especially when fatty,
is a major source of phthalate exposure, and processing can up the
concentration. One study, for example, showed that prepared lunches had high
levels of phthalates because food workers wore plastic gloves during prep.
* Avoid plastics with recycling code #3. Look at the
recycling symbol on products when you purchase plastic products. Plastics
marked with the #3 symbol contain PVC. Buy plastic wrap and bags made
from polyethylene, such as GLAD. For food storage, use glass containers or
plastic containers marked with recycling codes other than the #3. If you do use
plastic containers, do not heat or microwave food in them.
* Vinyl shower curtains and shower curtain liners often
contain phthalates, and heat from a shower could increase their release into
the air. Shower curtains and liners made from cloth or those labeled as
“phthalate-free” or “PVC-free” are a safer alternative to conventional, vinyl
shower curtains and liners.
* Vinyl flooring and window treatments are typically made
from PVC plastics, which contain phthalates. Window treatments made from
natural materials such as cotton, linen, wood, or bamboo are a healthier
alternative to those made form vinyl. Selecting natural flooring made from
natural materials like wood, bamboo, or natural linoleum can further reduce
phthalate exposure at home.
* Ventilate. Studies show indoor air tends to have higher
loads than outdoor, most likely because countless household items and building
materials contain phthalates that can end up in dust and air. Also, try to keep
phthalate-containing materials, such as vinyl tiles and imitation leather
furniture, out of kids' rooms.
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