Toxic chemicals and pollutants surround us daily, but a surprising fact is how many of these substances are found in our everyday fragranced personal care products. That compelling cologne or alluring aftershave may be wreaking havoc on your health, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have your back in this regard. Manufacturers of personal care products have found a loophole in the FDA’s federal law, allowing them to keep the chemicals used in ‘fragrances’ a secret. Since there’s no disclosure requirement, these unknown ingredients are hiding some scary secrets.
The fragrance industry utilizes approximately 3,100 stock chemical ingredients. The exact chemicals and their quantities are a closely guarded secret in the competitive world of scents. However, what you don’t know could hurt you. Hidden within these fragrances are phthalates, chemical compounds used in making plastics more flexible and as lubricants in personal care products. The FDA does not require manufacturers to list phthalates on ingredients panels, but they should, as they are a danger to our health. Also known as endocrine or hormone disruptors, phthalates also pose a risk to the immune system and other bodily systems.
Significant concerns arise from exposure to phthalates, including:
- Damage to sperm and fertility:Studies have found a link between exposure to diethyl phthalate (prominent in personal care products) and DNA damage in human sperm. Other studies enlisting men who sought help at an infertility clinic found that two phthalates, DEP and DEHP, were associated with DNA damage to sperm.
- Lowered testosterone levels: If you’re a man between the ages of 40 and 60 years, studies have found that di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are associated with low testosterone levels.
- Increased risk of asthma: Phthalates have been recognized as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of asthma. Chronic asthma can result due to phthalates’ direct impact on airway epithelial cells.
- Inflammation and possible cancer: Whenever phthalates come up in discussions, their role in inflammation is brought to light. They have a propensity to accumulate in human tissues and have pathogenic effects on the prostate, uterus, ovary, and breast – all sites of common human cancers. Some phthalates are even linked to liver cancer in rodents.
- Heightened insulin resistance: Phthalates are linked to increased waist circumference, insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes risks.
How can you avoid phthalates as much as possible?
- Opt for fragrance-free personal care products and natural products wherever possible in place of scented items like aftershaves and colognes.
- Don’t use plastic containers when microwaving food; choose glass instead.
- Steer clear of perfuming your car with scents or hang tags; their pleasant smell isn’t worth endangering your health.
- Replace plastic shower curtains with cloth alternatives to lower the risk of exposure to phthalates.
- Ditch the perfumed household items for safer alternatives, and seek out organic foods.
- Invest in a nanofiltration system for your tap water to filter out any phthalates from industrial waste.
It’s essential to be proactive and pay attention to small lifestyle changes to protect your sexual and overall health as you age. Reducing exposure to fragrances and adopting healthier habits can make a significant impact in reclaiming your energy, vitality, and a kick-ass life.
