Children are reaching sexual maturity earlier and the reasons for this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. A new study now shows a possible association between precocious puberty and exposure to various substances found in cosmetics.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousChildren are reaching sexual maturity earlier and the reasons for this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. A new study now shows a possible association between precocious puberty and exposure to various chemical substances present in cosmetics.
The ingredients contained in perfumes, deodorants, soaps, shampoos and other cosmetic products that are used by women during pregnancy can influence the onset of puberty in their children. Some researchers from the United States University of Berkeley are convinced of this and have conducted a recent long-term study on this very topic.
In the course of their research, the team looked at the effect of phthalates, parabens and phenols on the human body. For this reason, the urine of some pregnant women was sampled and then, 9 years later, also that of their children. Over the next four years, the researchers monitored 338 infants every nine months with a standard test to assess the onset of puberty.
The results of the study
The results of the study showed that some of the offending substances, such as ethyl phthalate and triclosan, had anticipated puberty in girls by several months.
When the mothers 'urine contained a breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, the development of the daughters' pubic hair began on average about six months earlier. A high concentration of triclosan in the urine of pregnant women was instead associated with an advance on the onset of the first menstruation of about 5 months.
Furthermore, the research findings showed a link between high concentrations of methylparaben in the urine of girls, early mammary gland development and early first menstruation.
Finally, elevated levels of propylparabens were associated with four to seven months of early pubic hair development.
Unfortunately, all the substances indicted by this study are often present in common detergents and personal care products. Triclosan is used for its antibacterial properties but is suspected of promoting the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.
Parabens, on the other hand, are often used by manufacturers as preservatives in cosmetics. Especially long-chain parabens such as butyl and propyl paraben have long been suspected of acting like hormones. In animal experiments, they have also been shown to be toxic for reproduction.
This situation exposes boys and girls to many risks. In fact, precocious puberty has been associated with an increased risk of mental illness, breast and ovarian (in women and cancer) or testicular (in men) cancer.
To avoid this risk, as always, we advise you to use cleansing products and shampoo with good Inci for both you and your children.
Read also:
- Cosmetic products for children: here are the most dangerous ingredients to avoid (LIST)
- 5 chemical components to keep out of the bathroom
