Cosmetic Chemicals Linked to Birth Defects

     Hello Kittens! In my endeavor to practice "extreme self care" in the new year, I'm afraid I have gotten behind on my blogging. Assuredly, however, you can count on your Kitty to keep testing and evaluating green and natural products on Organic Orgy and Zen of Homekeeping (just click my profile to access the blogs). I subscribe to Rodale news, which provides a lot of insight into healthy living and sustainable lifestyle practices. This morning I was shocked to find the latest research on toxins in cosmetics that are definitively linked to birth defects as well as lowered cognition in children.
     Today, the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives released a study which ties fragrance (for the body and home) and plastic-softening chemicals (phthalates) to behavioral problems and lower test scores in children exposed to the chemicals before birth. According to the Rodale article, 


"To figure out phthalate exposure, Mount Sinai researchers tested the urine of 188 expectant mothers during their third trimester of pregnancy for the presence of 10 specific phthalate metabolites. Then, mothers were interviewed one to three times while their children were 4 to 9 years old, answering standard questionnaires to assess their children's behavior and cognitive functioning. The researchers found that prenatal exposure to a group of phthalates commonly found in personal-care products like makeup, hairspray, perfume, body sprays, scented shampoos, soaps, and lotions was significantly associated with poorer scores for problems with aggression, conduct, and emotional control. Associations did not appear to differ between boys and girls overall, and the associations were stronger as with higher levels of exposure."


     Nasty phthalates are found in air fresheners, plastic products (like bottles and sippy cups), perfumes, and cosmetics. While I was pregnant about 11 years ago, I had to give up perfumes because smells made me nauseous but I certainly was ignorant about things that leach out of plastics (like frozen entrees in the microwave) and candles. The thing about fragrances is their formulas are considered proprietary so manufacturers don't have to tell us what's really in them. Unless your fragrant products are made from essential oils (natural perfumers like Pacifica and Lavanilla are more than happy to let you know), the perfume can contain all sorts of nasty chems like formaldehyde and phthalates. Gross! Check the labels on your home cleaning supplies, detergents, candles and so forth, kittens!