Oral Presentations
Location
Hopwood Auditorium
Access Type
Event
Event Website
http://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/red-letter-day/student-scholar-showcase/
Entry Number
150
Start Date
4-6-2016 2:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2016 2:15 PM
Abstract
On average, women use up to twelve personal care products (PCPs) such as shampoos, deodorants, lotions, hair products and make-up on a daily basis, which exposes them to over 160 different chemicals from these products alone. Studies have proven that there is a presence of phthalates in many of these cosmetics and PCPs. Fragrances have been found to be the highest phthalate-containing products as well as nail polish and hairspray. Fragranced products can contain up to 3,000 different ingredients in the fragrance mixture alone. This is where there is a substantial loophole in the regulation of chemicals in PCPs. While there is still not much information on the effect of phthalates on human health, there is a significant concern about phthalates’ affects on neonatal development hormonally and neurologically. If a fetus is exposed to a high level of phthalates during development, there can be detrimental results to their physical and mental development. Knowing how and where pregnant women are exposed can be beneficial to prevent developmental issues in newborn babies. More monitoring and legislation governing personal care products is needed, along with more public health education, particularly for pregnant women so they know how to limit their exposure.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer L. Hall
The Dangers of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Hopwood Auditorium
On average, women use up to twelve personal care products (PCPs) such as shampoos, deodorants, lotions, hair products and make-up on a daily basis, which exposes them to over 160 different chemicals from these products alone. Studies have proven that there is a presence of phthalates in many of these cosmetics and PCPs. Fragrances have been found to be the highest phthalate-containing products as well as nail polish and hairspray. Fragranced products can contain up to 3,000 different ingredients in the fragrance mixture alone. This is where there is a substantial loophole in the regulation of chemicals in PCPs. While there is still not much information on the effect of phthalates on human health, there is a significant concern about phthalates’ affects on neonatal development hormonally and neurologically. If a fetus is exposed to a high level of phthalates during development, there can be detrimental results to their physical and mental development. Knowing how and where pregnant women are exposed can be beneficial to prevent developmental issues in newborn babies. More monitoring and legislation governing personal care products is needed, along with more public health education, particularly for pregnant women so they know how to limit their exposure.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/studentshowcase/2016/Presentations/1