According to reports, common personal care products contain chemical ingredients that lack safety data. Moreover, some of these chemicals have been linked in animal studies to male genital birth defects, decreased sperm counts, and altered pregnancy outcomes. There is no definitive evidence for the same effects in humans, but widespread exposure, primarily to phthalates, has been shown to occur.
Phthalates, as key components in plastics, appear in many consumer products. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. Often, their presence is not noted on labels.
Exposure to toxins such as bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, p-phenylenediamine, and formaldehyde have been associated with carcinogenic, obesogenic, or proinflammatory effects that can potentiate disease. In addition, these compounds have been implicated as endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can worsen dermatological conditions such as acne vulgaris, or dermatitis. Certain pollutants found in personal care products are not biodegradable and have the potential to bioaccumulate in humans. Therefore, even short-term exposure can cause long-lasting issues for communities.
Environmental Problems Associated with the Cosmetics Industry
Consumers value quality products that are long lasting. Thus, cosmetics contain preservatives and antioxidants in their composition, to prevent the proliferation of harmful micro-organisms and oxidation of products. In this industry, the use of parabens derived from oil as a preservative has become the subject of discussions on how this component can affect our health, in the short and long term. The environmental impact of parabens and other derivatives of oil is also an issue of concern. Parabens are often used as preservatives in personal care and other products to prevent the growth of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. Although widely used, it was not until 1996 that the initial analytical reports regarding their presence in water were published.
They have been identified in wastewater, rivers, soil, and indoor dust owing to their ubiquitous use. They have also been detected in estuarine systems, with high concentrations of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. These agents, when disposed of incorrectly in wastewater cause numerous harmful effects, notably the formation of bubbles that prevent gas exchange, directly affecting the photosynthesis of aquatic organisms.
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