Location

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Start Date

1-5-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2014 10:00 AM

Project Type

Poster

Description

Endocrine disrupting chemicals including parabens, triclosan, and phthalates are commonly found in popular personal care products. Research shows that children are especially vulnerable to the negative health impacts of these chemicals and face increased risk of chronic diseases and developmental deficiencies. Due to minimal governmental regulation, endocrine disrupting chemicals are commonly found in cosmetics intended for children. Previous literature indicates that early exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can cause cognitive defects, early puberty, reproductive birth defects in males, fertility problems in females, obesity, diabetes, and increased risk of cancer and other diseases later in life. Although the regulation of cosmetic safety technically lies in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (FFDCA) states that cosmetics do not need FDA approval before they are distributed. This project examines the need for more research on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on human health to inform more stringent governmental regulation. In addition, this research investigates examples of commonly used childrens products containing these chemicals and offers safe alternatives.

Faculty Sponsor

Gail Carlson

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

CLAS Field of Study

Interdisciplinary Studies

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

730

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May 1st, 9:00 AM May 1st, 10:00 AM

The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Found in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products for Children

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Endocrine disrupting chemicals including parabens, triclosan, and phthalates are commonly found in popular personal care products. Research shows that children are especially vulnerable to the negative health impacts of these chemicals and face increased risk of chronic diseases and developmental deficiencies. Due to minimal governmental regulation, endocrine disrupting chemicals are commonly found in cosmetics intended for children. Previous literature indicates that early exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can cause cognitive defects, early puberty, reproductive birth defects in males, fertility problems in females, obesity, diabetes, and increased risk of cancer and other diseases later in life. Although the regulation of cosmetic safety technically lies in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (FFDCA) states that cosmetics do not need FDA approval before they are distributed. This project examines the need for more research on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on human health to inform more stringent governmental regulation. In addition, this research investigates examples of commonly used childrens products containing these chemicals and offers safe alternatives.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/290