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Phthalates in Cosmetics

by Sheron Hopkins

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Phthalates are everywhere in the twenty-first century living. From toys, vinyl flooring, garden hoses, food packaging and even medical devices, this chemical substance is used as a solvent in order to make plastic more elastic without decreasing its strength. It is also used in cosmetic and beauty products such as shampoos, perfumes, nail polish, deodorants and hair spray.

Recent research has concluded that exposure to phthalates can be a health risk to human and animals and as a result, use of this chemical has been banned in Europe.

But despite the adverse research results, phthalates continue to be used in the United States and Canada. Manufacturers of cosmetics use phthalates because they add these products a stronger retaining power. Repeated exposure to phthalates can damage the liver, lungs and reproductive systems and result in various medical and reproductive diseases. Phthalates can enter the human body by inhalation or absorption through the skin. Use of phthalates is especially risky for pregnant women or those nursing or intending to become pregnant.

U.S. and Canada-based manufacturers of consumer products, however, allege that there is no sufficient proof to prove the use of phthalates in cosmetic products to be very dangerous. Use of phthalates was first considered safe in 1984 by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, an independent group of toxicologists and dermatologists. Despite the fact that current research suggests that this chemical can result in possible health risk, the lack of phthalate alternatives have caused most product regulatory agencies to tolerate continued use of phthalate. Makers of cosmetic products indicate that there has yet to be reliable evidence that would prove that phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products such as shampoos, perfumes, nail polish, deodorants and hair spray can actually result in harmful diseases and make it unsafe for continued human use. In 2002, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reaffirmed their earlier statement that the use of products with phthalate is safe and fit for personal use.

But in the midst of all the phthalate controversy, precautionary steps have already been undertaken such as the elimination of dibutyl phthalate from most cosmetic products, especially in compliance with the new regulations in Europe. While phthalates are still used in many other products, a number of anti-phthalate groups including environmental organization, continue to increase their lobby against their use. One of the concrete results of their lobbying is the listing of phthalates on the labels of products that contain them.

Phthalates are not easily noticeable. To the naked eye, these clear liquids look like common vegetable oil with little or no smell. Phthalates do not evaporate easily and they break down quickly in the environment. So how can on tell whether the cosmetic or personal care product has phthalate? It is still best to check the labels of the cosmetic products where the ingredients are listed as required by law. If the product label does not include phthalates and but still have doubts on it phthalate content, you can contact the cosmetic manufacturer.

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