ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) – According to recent studies published in the International Journal of Hygiene Environmental Health and Reproductive Toxicology, a group of chemicals found in many plastics are harmful to the reproductive system of women. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic products such as flooring or toys, to gelling agents in personal care products.

Phthalates are used in personal hygiene care products to bind substances in shampoos, lotions, perfumes and body washes to stay lubricated, softer with better spreading while improving absorption. and by prolonging the duration of the perfumes.

Three university-led studies at Albany Ph.D. student Thoin Begum found that greater exposure when using phthalates (MBP, MHxP, and MEHP) specific to personal care products was associated with probabilities lower levels of successful pregnancy and live birth. Still, Begum says these products aren’t often on warning lists to be avoided by pregnant women and / or couples planning to become pregnant.

“Animal studies have shown that phthalates are reproductive toxicants, so we wanted to determine if phthalates are linked to reproductive outcomes in humans,” Begum said.

According to Begum, phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors, but the extent and exact results of exposure are still relatively unknown. He says that among the three studies conducted, several of the environmental chemicals used are indeed harmful to the reproductive process and may have harmful effects on the human fetus.

The analysis showed that women who applied multiple lotions, moisturizers and other personal care products had less exposure to phthalates, while women who applied nail polish and perfume had high levels of phthalate exposure in their body. body, said Begum.

Male partners of women who used lotions and moisturizers were also associated with high levels of phthalate exposure. This indicates, according to Begum, that women and men faced the same types of phthalate exposure when using personal care products.

“Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant, including the woman’s partner, should limit their exposure to these chemicals by not using products such as nail polish and perfume, cologne, etc. hair dyes and a host of other personal care products, ”Begum said. “Interestingly enough and concerning, these things are often not on the list provided by doctors of things couples should avoid during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.”