Are Your Cosmetics Hazardous to Your Health?

July 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Researchers claim that they have discovered a link between chemicals frequently found in make-up and the incidence of diabetes in women, reports the Huffington Post.

Scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the United Kingdom, whose new finding will be published in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, say that a correlation exists between high levels of phthalates in the body and an increased risk of diabetes in women.

Phthalates are common chemical compounds that make plastic flexible and transparent, and their use has caused controversy in the past. Previous studies have suggested that phthalates are hormone disruptors that affect the endocrine system.

For the latest study, researchers tested urine samples of 2,350 participants and found that women with high levels of phthalates in their urine samples had almost twice the risk of developing diabetes than those with low levels of phthalates in their samples.

One of the study’s scientists noted that phthalates are also used to make the pharmaceuticals and medical devices that are prescribed to diabetics, which might explain the correlation.

In addition to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, phthalates are also used in product packaging, gelling agents, adhesives, lubricants, emulsifying agents, and even foods such as milk, butter, and some meats.

“EMSL Analytical can test for phthalates and other chemicals in personal care products, packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food because we are so well-diversified,” states Diane Miskowski, MPH, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical.

For more information about EMSL, please contact EMSL at 800-220-3675, email info@EMSL.com, or visit www.EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.