A new study shows that children who use skin cream have higher levels of endocrine-disrupting toxins, phthalates, in their bodies.
These substances have been linked to reproductive and metabolic diseases.
Sunscreen, skin cream, soap and hair care products – these are some examples of products that may contain harmful substances.
A new study examined over 600 urine samples from children aged four to eight years. It found that children who used a lot of these products have higher levels of toxic phthalates in their bodies, which can affect hormone production and are linked to reproductive, immune system and metabolic diseases.
“Worrying”
Michael Bloom is a researcher from George Mason University and lead author of the study.
“The results show that the use of skin care products on children are sources of exposure to these chemicals,” Bloom added The Guardian.
“What is also definitely of concern is that these products tend to be used frequently and for long periods of time.”
The study also found that boys generally had higher levels of phthalates than girls.
Cheap products can be more harmful
Phthalates are often used in hygiene products to stabilize them or help the product carry fragrances. Because children have a large skin surface in relation to their body weight and their metabolic systems are also not fully developed to process the harmful substances, they are extra vulnerable to phthalates.
There is a greater risk that cheaper products, which may have been stored longer in a plastic package or exposed to higher heat, may contain higher levels of chemicals and phthalates.