Phthalates are chemicals commonly found in personal care products (PCPs) such as cosmetics, hair relaxers, and moisturizers. They are known endocrine disruptors linked to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth. This study focused on African American pregnant individuals, a group with disproportionately higher rates of such outcomes.
Study Details:
Data from 153 pregnant participants in the Atlanta African American Maternal–Child Cohort were analyzed.
Urine samples collected at 8–14 weeks gestation were tested for 12 phthalate metabolites.
Participants reported their frequency of PCP use via questionnaires.
Researchers examined associations between product use frequency and urinary phthalate metabolite levels using linear regression.
Findings:
More frequent use of hair and cosmetic products was linked to significantly higher urinary phthalate concentrations.
Monthly hair product use correlated with increased levels of antiandrogenic phthalates (SAA) (β = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.02 to 1.57).
Surprisingly, weekly or daily use of hair relaxers was associated with lower levels of one phthalate group (SDEHP) compared to non-users (β = –0.16; 95% CI: –0.48 to –0.03).
Cosmetic use was linked to elevated levels of multiple phthalates, including SDEHP, SAA, and monocarboxyisononyl phthalate (MCINP).
Implications:
Frequent use of phthalate-containing PCPs during early pregnancy may increase chemical exposure risks.
Since phthalates are associated with negative pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, reducing exposure through safer product choices could be a meaningful intervention.
Health providers should counsel pregnant patients, especially those in higher-risk groups, about minimizing use of phthalate-containing products.
This study highlights how personal care routines are a modifiable source of potentially harmful chemical exposure during pregnancy, underscoring the need for awareness and safer product options for maternal and fetal health.
Related Topics:
- The Best Hair Restoration Methods
- Can I Use Conditioner on My Hair Every Day?
- Frequency of Biotin Shampoo Washing Guide
