Raising children in a healthy manner has become an enormous challenge largely due to the myriad of chemicals in various products which can harm them. Many families in Syracuse who have been alarmed by this matter should be interested in information from a new study which shows that phthalates in personal care products may contribute to child obesity.
Science Daily has reported "Chemical in Personal Care Products (Phthalates) May Contribute to Child Obesity." It has been discovered by researchers from the Children's Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York that there may be an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children. This research paper is available online in the journal Environmental Research.
Phthalates are human-made, endocrine-disrupting chemicals which can mimic the body's natural hormones. These chemicals are commonly used in plastic flooring and wall coverings, food processing materials, medical devices, and personal-care products. It is already well understood that poor nutrition and physical inactivity contribute to obesity. Now news research suggests that environmental chemicals, including phthalates, may also play a role in rising childhood obesity rates.
Researchers at Mount Sinai measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 black and Hispanic children in New York City, and recorded body measurements including BMI, height, and waist circumference one year later. The urine tests of these children revealed that greater than 97 percent of study participants had been exposed to phthalates which are typically found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes; and medication or nutritional supplement coatings.
These phthalates included monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and other low molecular-weight phthalates. The reseachers also found an association between concentrations of these phthalates with BMI and waist circumference among overweight children. For example it was found BMI in overweight girls with the highest exposure to MEP was 10 percent higher than those with the lowest MEP exposure.
The research lead author Susan Teitelbaum, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, has said "Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neurodevelopment, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity." This study also further emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to these chemicals where possible." Dr. Teitelbaum has offered important advice in regard to the findings of this research.
Photographer: digitalart
