New research has raised concerns about the use of personal care products during pregnancy, suggesting that nail polish, makeup, hair dye, and other common items may expose women to harmful chemicals known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, which are used in a variety of products because they resist water, oil, and heat, have been linked to several health issues, including heart disease, liver problems, and cancers. According to a recent study published in the journal Environment International, women who use products such as makeup, fragrances, hair spray, and nail polish during pregnancy have higher levels of PFAS in their blood and breast milk. The findings highlight the potential risks these chemicals pose to both mothers and their babies.
The study, which looked at data from over 2,000 pregnant women in Canada between 2008 and 2011, shows that increased use of personal care products is associated with higher concentrations of PFAS. The research specifically focused on how often women used these products during pregnancy, particularly in their first and third trimesters, and up to 10 weeks postpartum. Women who regularly used makeup or hair dye during these times had noticeably higher levels of PFAS compared to those who used these products less frequently or not at all.
The researchers suggest that the presence of these chemicals during pregnancy could lead to several health risks for babies, including premature birth, lower birth weight, and neurodevelopmental disorders. There is also a concern that exposure to PFAS may affect the baby’s ability to respond to vaccines effectively. The chemicals have long been known for their persistence in the environment and human body, earning the nickname “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily.
Amber Hall, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University School of Public Health and the study’s lead author, stressed that the findings are concerning for pregnant women who use these products regularly. She advised that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may want to reduce their use of personal care products containing PFAS. Hall noted that while the study focused on just four types of PFAS chemicals, there are thousands of similar chemicals used in industrial and consumer products, which could further contribute to the exposure risks.
This research provides a clearer understanding of the potential dangers posed by everyday products that many people may not consider harmful. The data was collected from a period spanning several years and included measurements of PFAS in both the blood of pregnant women and in their breast milk after childbirth. The results showed that women who wore makeup daily during their pregnancy had significantly higher levels of these chemicals than those who did not use makeup frequently. Additionally, women who used permanent hair color just after giving birth had levels of PFAS in their milk that were much higher than those who did not use hair dye.
Joseph Braun, director of children’s environmental health at Brown University, who co-authored the study, emphasized the importance of understanding how these products affect health on both an individual and population level. He believes that studies like this one can help people make more informed decisions about their product use and contribute to calls for better regulation of products containing harmful chemicals. While it is difficult to eliminate all exposure to PFAS, the study’s findings suggest that reducing the use of personal care products with these chemicals could lower some of the risks associated with their use.
Despite the clear evidence presented in the study, researchers caution that many pregnant women are likely unaware of the risks posed by these chemicals. With the growing concerns about PFAS, there is an increasing demand for stricter regulations to limit their use in consumer products, particularly those used during pregnancy. As more people become aware of these risks, the hope is that both consumers and lawmakers will take action to reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.
The study has raised important questions about the safety of commonly used personal care products and highlights the need for more research and public awareness. While the results are concerning, they also provide an opportunity for individuals to make more informed choices about the products they use during pregnancy. As research into the effects of PFAS continues to unfold, the hope is that safer alternatives will be developed and that policies will be put in place to protect pregnant women and their babies from unnecessary chemical exposures.
