By Leslie Rajan 
A new study highlights potential health risks associated with common personal care products. Researchers from George Mason University’s College of Public Health have found a troubling link between the use of lotions, hair oils, conditioners, and sunscreens and elevated levels of phthalates in young children.
1. Phthalates, chemicals used to enhance the flexibility of plastics, are also prevalent in many personal care products. These substances are known to disrupt endocrine function.
2. The study, led by Michael S. Bloom, examined 630 children aged four to eight across ten U.S. sites. It revealed that the use of various skin care products was associated with higher phthalate levels.
3. Bloom noted that this research is the first to show how different types of skin care products might variably increase exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children.
4. Phthalates mimic or interfere with natural hormones, raising concerns about their impact on children’s development during crucial growth stages.
5. The study collected comprehensive data, including medical records, urinalysis, and detailed surveys from parents about their children’s use of skin care products.
6. Findings indicate that the concentration of phthalates and their replacements varied based on the child’s racial and ethnic background and sex assigned at birth.
7. Specific patterns of product use were predictive of higher phthalate levels, emphasizing the need for targeted public health advice.
8. Bloom advocates for policies to limit endocrine-disrupting chemicals in products used on children, urging parents to be cautious about product choices.
9. The research aims to increase awareness of the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these chemicals, especially during early developmental years.
10. By addressing these concerns, the study seeks to inform both policy and personal decisions, potentially reducing the risks of developmental toxicants.
11. As public awareness grows, efforts to regulate and minimize the presence of harmful chemicals in children’s products may become more pronounced, benefiting overall child health.