Phthalate found in cosmetics linked to severe skin allergies

An article in Environmental Health Perspectives links a common form of phthalate, DEHP, to severe skin allergies in newborn mice, who have been exposed to the chemical through their mother’s milk. Rates of skin allergies have been on the rise, according to an analysis of the article published by Environmental Health News.

DEHP, one specific form of phthalate, is frequently added to soften plastics that are found in children’s toys or shower curtains, flooring, medical devices and even pill coverings.  According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, phthalates are also used in fragrances, detergents, cleaning products and more, but, due to a loophole in the law, the chemicals aren’t listed on labels.

If you're interested in learning more about what is in your cosmetics and personal care items, be sure to check out the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep searchable database, which provides information about the ingredients in more than 25,000 products from shampoos to lotions to hair care products.

The study of severe allergies in mice resulting from exposure to DEHP adds one more significant health effect to the long list of known adverse health outcomes associated with phthalates. One billion tons of phthalates are produced worldwide each year and are found in Americans of all ages, sizes, and races. Evidence has been building in recent years that links phthalates to adverse health effects such as reproductive and developmental problems, respiratory impairment and other harmful effects on organs in humans and in laboratory animals.

The European Union, Canada, and the state of California have banned DEHP in toys and infant products, according to Environmental Health News.