A recent study conducted by researchers at George Mason University’s College of Public Health has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with using skin care products on young children. The study found a disturbing link between the use of personal care products, such as lotions, hair oils, conditioners, ointments, and sunscreen, and elevated levels of phthalates in the urine of young children.
Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormone system. They are commonly used as carriers for active ingredients in skin care products and are also found in plastic packaging. Previous research has linked exposure to these chemicals in early childhood to neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and metabolic problems.
The study, which involved 630 children aged four to eight from ten different cities across the US, included a clinical examination, urinalysis, and a survey completed by the child’s parents. The survey collected information about the child’s demographic characteristics (race/ethnicity, sex assigned at birth) and asked parents to list all skin care products used on their child in the 24 hours prior to the examination, including the product type and brand.
The study’s lead researcher, Michael S. Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health, stated that the findings revealed associations between the recent use of various skin care products and higher concentrations of phthalates and phthalate-replacement compounds in children’s urine. He emphasized that these associations varied depending on the child’s racial and ethnic identity and sex assigned at birth. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that specific patterns of using multiple skin care products were predictive of higher phthalate and phthalate-replacement levels.
Bloom highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that they can inform policies aimed at addressing the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children’s skin care products. This includes advising parents on making informed decisions about the products they use on their children to minimize potential exposure to developmental toxicants. The study’s results underscore the importance of ongoing research and public awareness regarding the potential health implications of everyday products for young children.
