News Coverage
Cosmetics ingredient said to cause birth defects
Published July 8, 2002
SEATTLE - Many cosmetics contain a chemical that cause birth defect when used by pregnant women, according to a group of scientists in Washington, D.C. Phthlates (pronounced tha-lates) are oily chemicals that can be found mainly in nail polish, hair sprays and gels, perfumes and hand lotions.
The Environmental Working Group said that based on animal testing, phthalate exposure by pregnant women can cause birth defects in their newborns' reproductive systems. They are calling for the government to force cosmetic companies to stop using phthlates.
"Major loopholes in federal law allow cosmetics companies to add unlimited amounts of phthalates to their products with no required safety testing, with no monitoring of health effects for women and their babies, and with no labeling requirements," said Jane Houlihan, vice president for research at the Environmental Working Group.
According to the group, five percent of the 20- to 40-year-old women tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are getting up to 45 times more phthalates than previous daily intake estimates and they are at levels of concern.
Phthlates are oily chemicals that can be found mainly in nail polish, hair sprays and gels, perfumes and hand lotions. While the CDC found evidence of phthalates in virtually every one of the cross-section of Americans tested, evidence of the highest levels of exposure to the phthalate DBP (dibutyl phthalate) were found in women of childbearing age.
Government databases show that DBP is used in cosmetics, toys, flooring, adhesives, wallpaper, furniture, raincoats and shower curtains. So cosmetics and other personal care products seem the most likely reason that women would be more exposed than anyone else.