How dangerous are phthalates in cosmetic products?

How dangerous are phthalates in cosmetic products?

Gary Ginsberg (Toxicologist) gives expert video advice on: What are the most hazardous products we typically bring into our own homes?; How can I minimize my exposure to dangerous household products?; Is there a half-life for the chemicals in my home? and more...

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors. They affect the way - especially the male - hormone system works. There are critical windows of development during the baby's growth. If it's a boy, see, the boy is growing in a female environment. Inside the womb there's a lot of estrogen and female hormones. And to counteract that, there needs to be a surge of testosterone in utero so that the proper development of the male penis, the male organs, so that the baby comes out with the right equipment. And phthalates inhibit that process. So exposure during pregnancy can lead to - there's evidence right now and this has been shown in animals and now there's some human evidence to suggest - that exposure during pregnancy to things like fragrances, hair spray, deodorant can lead to boys being born with less male characteristics. How that relates to their fertility later life is still an open question that needs to be studied. But there is a suggestion that that maybe a concern.