A new study suggests that a chemical found in some nail polishes, perfumes, and other cosmetics—butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)—may be linked to infertility and reproductive issues.
It turns out that some chemical substances used in the production of plastic products and cosmetics may be the reason behind infertility, according to a new study.
Chemical Substance Butyl Benzyl Phthalate
The chemical substance Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), which is commonly used in products like nail polish and perfumes, may lead to the production of unsafe baby bottles, and therefore, cause infertility.
BBP is used in toy production, especially in flexible plastic toys like teething rings. Issues with the kidneys, congenital disabilities, and developmental problems in the reproductive organs of children have been linked to it, according to what was published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety.
Experiments on Mice
A study revealed that this is due to experiments conducted on mice, which confirmed the negative health effects of this substance on them and their development.
Mice consumed products containing the chemical substance BBP throughout the experiment. However, the only food that the mice ate was mixed with the existing chemical substance, as mentioned in the plastic plumbing, cosmetic and cleaning products, so the mice got their nutrition from the same ingredients because it is harmful to their health.
The BBP chemical substance, which humans produce, affects the hormone, estrogen, and enters the body. In the experiment, this chemical substance was transferred to the mice through the sweet food that they ate. Scientists say that with the focus on the relationship with infertility in Philadelphia, BBP interacts in the cells and changes the desired image in the chest in children, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer in a later stage of life.
The mice were fed in this study with the amount of BBP that they might be exposed to in humans.
“We are the first to point out that children and infants exposed to BBP can affect changes in genes in breast tissue,” says the head of research, Dr. Khosrow Rousso. “This is evidence that things like this can happen to people, even if the person has been exposed to it since the beginning of his life, BBP can cause him harm in a later stage of his life.”
The Relationship Between Certain Materials and Infertility
Recently, several studies have touched on the relationship between certain materials and infertility.
- Sunscreen. Studies in recent years have been skeptical of the effectiveness of some types of sunscreen, claiming that some of them, when exposed to the sun’s rays, may be harmful to health. Sunscreens that protect against radiation should be placed on materials that are secreted or materials that do not cause pollution to the skin and do not cause major health damage.
- Various cosmetic products that claim the ability to purify radiation, such as nail polish, eye shadow, and face creams, may contain talc and benzene.
- Creams that contain benzene may increase the risk of skin cancer, to some extent.
- Products that contain asbestos, known as coal-tar, are one of the materials known to be carcinogenic and found in many products. It is best to avoid buying products that contain it at all. Some artificial colors that appear in cosmetic products contain zinc and lead, which are also known as cancer-causing agents.
Cosmetics and Cancer
Two American researchers conducted a study on cosmetics and discovered that some cosmetics (nail polish, hair dye) may lead to cancer because of the presence of high concentrations of lead. Lead reaches cosmetics based on industrial and agricultural activity, including the use of pesticides banned on crops.
Severe poisoning with methylmercury can cause damage to the nervous system, and mercury in general is known as a harmful substance that can accumulate in the body and cause harm. The same thing applies to heating plastic products in the microwave, such as bags and plastic medicines, which may emit toxic substances when heated.
Testimonials
I was always worried about the effects of chemicals in everyday products, but this article has really opened my eyes. It’s so empowering to learn how to make informed choices and protect myself and my family from potential harm. Knowledge is truly power, and now I feel more equipped to create a healthier environment for us all.
FAQ
Are organic products always safer? Organic labeling isn’t a guarantee of safety, but it often indicates fewer synthetic chemicals. Always check the full ingredient list.
What’s the best way to store food? Glass or stainless steel containers are preferable to plastic, especially for hot foods or liquids.
