Articles
Parabens
Researchers from the Department of Biology and Biochemistry of Brunel University in the UK conducted a study that found that the alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (that is, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben) are weakly estrogenic. In other words, these preservatives have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body. They found butylparaben to be the most estrogenic. The study found that parabens can cause these adverse (oestrogenic) effects when injected under the skin of laboratory animals.
The researchers believe that parabens that might be absorbed through the skin of pregnant women may act like an alien female hormone, affecting the development of the fetus, especially in regard to male fetuses' future fertility. Professor John Sumpter, one of the researchers, wrote an article in The Independent where he expressed concerns that parabens may play a role in explaining why sperm counts have been falling in men and breast cancer in women is on the rise. However, the professor noted that the clinical results were based on animal studies only, and that human trials have not been done.
Before You Wash and Rinse, Check The Label Studies Raise Concerns About How Parabens Affect Human Hormones
By Dan Shapley
The concern about man-made chemicals that mimic the body's hormones is growing ever wider. Socalled endocrine disruptors are common, and are of a growing concern because they are active in such minute quantities just like natural hormones.
A story in today's Chicago Tribune details the rash of studies about parabens a common class of chemicals found in skin care products, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and other personalcare products. These preservatives are used to keep bacteria and other nasty things at bay while products sit on the shelves.
Paraben is also found in human blood and urine, and has even been detected in breast tumors. Some forms of breast cancer have been linked to endocrine disruptors, though the specific culprit or more likely conspiracy of culprits has not been identified.
The good news is that there are alternatives on the market that use natural alternatives. To find out if your favorite products are free of parabens, look for these words in ingredient lists: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or benzylparaben.
