Phthalates in makeup products increase diabetes, obesity risk: Research

The research conducted by Uppsala University in Sweden found that the presence of phthalates in a person’s bloodstream doubles the risk of developing diabetes and gaining weight.

The study claims that personal care products such as body products, makeup and perfumes, and plastic products, cleaning products, air fresheners and food contain phthalates and their use increases exposure to this chemical leading to its absorption into the body and bloodstream through the skin.

Uppsala University researchers reviewed data from 1,000 people aged over 70, of whom 114 developed diabetes.

After considering factors such as obesity, smoking and a poor diet, which are known to cause Type-2 diabetes, it was concluded that the high exposure to phthalates increases the diabetes risk as individuals are likely to develop insulin resistance.

Uppsala University environmental medicine associate professor Monica Lind said that although results need to be confirmed in more studies, they do support the hypothesis that certain environmental chemicals can contribute to the development of diabetes.

"We have done other studies into the effects of phthalates and discovered people exposed to them have a higher risk of obesity. On a study we did last year, we found pesticides and those kinds of substances gave people a higher risk of obesity and osteoporosis," added Lind.

Anyone can be exposed to these chemicals in different ways and people can inhale them if they are used in hairspray, air fresheners and food can also be contaminated, concluded Lind.

The European Union in 2003 had passed a legislation to ban some phthalates in cosmetics.