A recent study has shown that butyl benzyl phthalate, or BBP, a chemical found in lipstick and nail varnish may interfere with the healthy development of breast tissue. BBP is a man made substance that accumulates in fat tissue and which is part of a group of chemicals that mimic the female hormone oestrogen.

Phthalates are frequently used to make cosmetics glossy or soften plastics and are also found in food packaging, toys, carpets and solvents. Other studies have found a link between them and birth defects, kidney problems and infertility. The concern has been so great that they have been banned in teething rings and babies’ dummies across Europe.

 

Now, according to research from the Fox Chase Cancer Centre in Philadelphia, BBP could increase the risks of breast cancer. Scientists fed rats with BBP which was then absorbed by their offspring via breast milk and the chemical altered the genetic make-up of cells in the young female rat’s mammary glands. The researchers speculated that the same alterations could happen in humans who are over exposed.

 

The Women’s Environmental Network said phthalates were present in four out of five cosmetic products on sale in Britain and is campaigning to see them removed from all cosmetics, including hair spray and moisturiser, because of the possibility that trace elements are being absorbed by the skin.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Breast Cancer, Fertility, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Skin and Hair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.