New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Love to lather your children with lotion to keep their skin hydrated? Beware, a new study has linked personal care products like lotions and conditioners with increased levels of chemicals known to cause hormonal disruptions in their bodies.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed Environmental Health Perspectives Journal, showed that lotions, hair-care products like shampoos and conditioners, and sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, posing severe health risks in children.
A team of researchers led by George Mason University, in the US, examined urine samples of children aged between 4 and 8 years from 2017 to 2019, and found increased levels of mono-benzyl phthalate, Monoethyl phthalate, monobutyl phthalate.
These chemicals cause hormonal changes in men and women, increasing waist circumference and insulin resistance. It can also affect reproductive health in both men and women and also leads to an increase in skin and respiratory issues like eczema and rhinitis.
“These results may inform policymakers, clinicians, and parents to help limit children’s exposure to developmental toxicants,” the researchers said.
Dr. Jyothi Raghuram, Senior Consultant – General Pediatrics & Pediatric Rheumatology, Aster Women & Children, Bengaluru told IANS that “this is alarming because phthalates are commonly used to improve the product’s texture and durability, but their exposure has been linked to hormonal disruptions in children”.
She noted that parabens and strong fragrances — usually found in skin and hair care products — are an uncommon cause of rashes, and can lead to breathing difficulty in susceptible children.
“At an age when the hormonal systems of the body are still developing, phthalates can negatively impact the growth rate, metabolic strength, and even reproductive health of the child,” Raghuram said while cautioning parents to be mindful of the ingredients when choosing products for children.
“Avoiding products that mention the presence of phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and choosing ones that specifically state to be ‘phthalate-free,’ ‘paraben-free,’ or ‘fragrance-free’ can bring about a great difference.”
She suggested mineral-based sunscreens and lotions made from natural oils like coconut or shea butter as safer alternatives that provide the same benefits without the associated risks.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
