Beauty products for women of color show higher levels of endocrine disruptors than those made for white women, finds study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, low exposures to such toxic chemicals can cause health problems.
Cosmetics for women of color, a health hazard
Researchers from George Washington University in the United States have revealed in their new study that skin whitening products for women of color contain high levels of mercury, a neurotoxic and destructive product for the kidneys and topical corticosteroids, drugs usually used in therapeutic creams to treat in particulareczema. Scientists also reveal that hair straightening products, very often used by black women, are potentially very rich in estrogen and parabens, molecules capable of causing precocious puberty, a disruption of the hormonal system or uterine tumors.
These cosmetics are said to be most commonly consumed by women between the ages of 18 and 34, and these products could cause health hazards, especially if they are pregnant.
“These risks to women’s health are added” to the risks linked to their often already polluted environment “, explains Dr Bhavna Shamasunder.” Women from minorities see their overall risk increase, because they mostly live in areas where the quality of air, water and land is deteriorated by chemicals. “
Health care professionals and gynecologists should counsel their patients on these environmental issues, according to the researchers. They also recommend measures such as improved testing and component disclosures to protect women, especially women of color, from harmful chemicals in cosmetics.
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