Phthalates May Increase Diabetes Risk in Women

Moisturizers, soaps, perfumes, hair sprays, and nail polishes that contain chemicals called phthalates, may cause an increased risk of diabetes in women, according to a new study.

Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are most commonly found in personal care products, according to ScienceDaily. They are also used in a number of other products such as toys, adhesives, and electronics.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed urinary concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, according to ScienceDaily. They found that women who had higher levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to develop diabetes.

In the study, published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers wrote: “We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women. So overall, more research is needed."

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