In an effort to reduce the grip that this disease has on our population, researchers have been studying the risk factors. We now know that overweight, inactivity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, and a family history of the disease can all make us more likely to develop diabetes. A new study, however, now suggests that one more risk factor may be at play—one we never would have suspected in the past.

That risk factor? Exposure to chemicals called “phthalates,” found in many of our common personal care products.

Turns out being overweight and insulin resistant may not be the only risk factors for diabetes.

Women with High Phthalate Levels More at Risk

For the study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (published online ahead of print July 13, 2012), researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed concentrations of phthalates in the urine of 2,350 women from across the U.S. They found that those who had the highest levels of mon-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate were nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes as those with the lowest levels of these chemicals.

The results didn’t end there. Women with higher-than-average levels of mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate had about a 60 percent increased risk of diabetes, while those with moderately high levels of mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate had about a 70 percent increased risk.

The authors were quick to say that more research is needed, noting the findings are far from conclusive and do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. They do, however, give us more reason to avoid phthalates whenever possible.

What Are Phthalates?

I talked about phthalates in a former post—read more here if you like. In summary, these chemicals are also called “plasticizers” because they make plastics more flexible and resilient. They’re used in food packaging, detergents, lubricating oils, wall coverings, vinyl flooring, and pharmaceuticals. In cosmetics, they’re used to help ingredients adhere to a certain surface, like fingernails and hair. Phthalates are found in nail polish, hair sprays, and particularly in perfumes and fragrances to help the scent cling to your skin.

According to the CDC, we’re all carrying some phthalates around inside us. Women, however, have higher levels than men for those phthalates found in soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and other personal care products. In addition to the diabetes concern, these chemicals have been linked with reproductive abnormalities, hormone disruption, asthma and lung problems, skina allergies, and decreases in male fertility.

Avoiding Phthalates

The researchers in this study could not determine where the phthalates came from. A spokesperson from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, however, said: “Phthalates are found in about 70 percent of fragrance-containing personal care products.” All you have to do is look at ingredient labels to see that just about every personal care product not made by an organic or eco-conscious brand has “fragrance” listed. (Of course, Annmarie Skin Care products do not contain any phthalates or other artificial ingredients!)

Even more concerning is the fact that this isn’t the first test to examine a potential link between phthalates and diabetes-related health problems. In April 2012, scientists from Uppsala University in Sweden found that those who were exposed to phthalates were more likely to gain weight and develop insulin resistance.

To avoid these dangerous chemicals, choose fragrance-free products or only those scented with natural essential oils or other natural products. If you choose Annmarie Gianni Skin Care, you can feel good knowing that my products will actually nourish the health of your skin, rather than potentially harming it. For other products, read the ingredient labels, and avoid any that list the following phthalates:

• DBP (dibutylphthalate)
• DMP (dimethylphthalate)
• DEP (diethylphthalate)
• DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate)
• BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate)

Do you try to avoid phthalates? Please share any tips you may have!

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Photo courtesy Eyes of the World Media Group via Flickr.com.

Sources
Andrew McDougall, “Study links cosmetics to increased risk of diabetes but trade association denies reports,” Cosmetics Design, July 16, 2012, http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Formulation-Science/Study-links-cosmetics-to-increased-risk-of-diabetes-but-trade-association-denies-reports.

Sadie Whitelocks, “Chemical in Fake Tan and Make-Up Linked to Obesity and Diabetes,” Daily Mail, April 13, 2012, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2129195/Chemical-fake-tan-linked-obesity-diabetes.html.

I talked about phthalates in another post. Formaldehyde has been linked with leukemia and lymphatic cancers. But what about toluene?

What is Toluene?

Toluene is a clear, water-insoluble, flammable liquid that smells like paint thinner, and is often used as a solvent in nail polishes. Found naturally in crude oil, toluene is also used in degreasers, paints, lacquers, glues, paint brush cleaners, and ink and stain removers.

What are the Concerns?

Exposure to toluene can cause eye and nose irritation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, long-term exposure to toluene—such as that which may occur in nail salons—increases risk of damage to the brain, liver, bone marrow, and kidneys.

The Environmental Protection Agency states, “Breathing large amounts of toluene for short periods of time adversely affects the human nervous system, the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Effects range from unsteadiness and tingling in fingers and toes to unconsciousness and death.”

Toluene Found in Supposedly “Safer” Polishes

State investigators in California randomly tested 25 brands of nail polishes found exclusively in salons. These included several that claimed to be free of toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. Ten of the twelve products that claimed to be free of toluene actually contained it—with four of those brands containing dangerously high levels. Another five of the products claiming to be free of the toxic three actually contained at least one of the potentially harmful chemicals.

The DTSC concluded that exposure to these chemicals is a health hazard to nail salon workers and their customers. The mislabeling of the products claiming to be free of toxins may be found to be illegal and a violation of California’s state law.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics co-founder Stacy Malkan commented, “This is a perfect example why we need to reform federal cosmetics laws to ban chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, which Europe did almost 10 years ago.”

How Can You Avoid Toluene?

To cut down on your exposure to toluene, try these steps:

• Avoid the products found to contain at least one of the toxic three, listed here
• San Francisco and New York City have passed ordinances that recognize nail salons that use polishes free of these toxins—if you’re in these cities, look for the seal that shows the salon is toxin-free
• Use your own nail polish, or take your own to the salon
• Some examples of toxin-free nail polishes include Zoya Natural Nail Polish, PeaceKeeper Nail Paint, Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Non-Peel Off Polish, and SunCoat Girl Nail Polish.

Do you have a favorite toxin-free nail polish? Please share!

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Photo courtesy Lucia Bezzini via Flickr.com.

Sources
“Safer Nail Products,” California Department of Toxic Substances Control, http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/SaferNailProducts.cfm.

“Chemicals in the Environment: Toluene,” Chemical Fact Sheet, August 1994, Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/chemfact/f_toluen.txt.

Alexandra Sifferlin, “Toxins Found in Nail Polishes Claiming to be ‘Non-Toxic,” Time, April 10, 2012. http://healthland.time.com/2012/04/10/toxins-found-in-nail-polishes-claiming-to-be-non-toxic/.