Chemical compounds from cosmetics detected in umbilical cord samples

F nd of may, scientists from the Institute for Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (CSIC) found eleven common chemical compounds in cosmetics in umbilical cord samples taken from 69 newborns in Barcelona.

What chemical compounds did they find in the umbilical cord?

This study selected 12 compounds for analysis. benzophenones and parabens. It is possible that other studies detect the presence of different ones, but this study only focused on 12 compounds from these two categories.

Both benzophenones and parabens were found in the umbilical cord samples.

a) Benzophenones. It is a very common compound in sunscreens due to its ability to absorb UV rays.

• Oxybenzone or Benzophenone-3 (BP3)Detected in 17% of the samples of umbilical cords. Oxybenzone is one of the most common UV filters in cosmetics, but it can also be found in perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, and nail polishes. 
• Benzophenone-1 (BP1)
• Benzophenone-2 (BP2). Found in 5,8% of samples.
• Avobenzone (AVO). Found in 14% of samples of umbilical cords. Avobenzone is also a widely used UVA filter.
• Benzophenone-4 (BP4)
• Hydroxybenzophenone (4HB)

b) Parabens. Los parabens . They are used as preservatives. Various types of parabens still allowed in the EU were also found in the samples.

• Methylparaben (MePB). It is one of the most used parabens in cosmetics (although its use has been greatly reduced in recent years). This compound was found in 5.8% of the umbilical cord samples.
• Propylparaben (PrPB). Somewhat less used than Methylparaben. Traces of this compound were found in 1.4% of the samples.

Among the other chemicals found, stands out the antioxidant MBM additive in plastic containers.

Possible dangers of these chemicals found in the umbilical cord

Both benzophenones and parabens are chemical compounds that are being avoided por empresas y consumidores más conscientes de su salud. ¿Por qué?

Benzophenone toxicity

Benzophenones (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone...), so common in sunscreens and many day creams, are possible endocrine disruptors. In the study by Morohoshi et al. (2005) Benzophenones were found to interfere with estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and other nuclear receptors.

Weisbrod et al. (2007) observed that BP increased uterine weight. BP2, found in almost 6% of the samples, caused estrogenic effects.

Suzuki et al. (2005) observed that benzophenones inhibited the activity of dihydrotestosterone and Nashev et al. (2010)also checked these anti-androgenic effects.

Benzophenones also interfere with the progesterone receptor and thyroid hormone receptor. Benzophenones can inhibit the activity of thyroid peroxidase. Specifically, BP2 is a potent inhibitor of its activity. (Jarry et al., 2004).

Parabens toxicity

Los parabens are used as preservatives and are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. Its reliability began to be discussed in 2004, when traces of parabens were found in 90% of cancerous tissue samples. 

Parabens are believed to act like estrogensas well as decrease testosterone.

In addition, researchers from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japon found that Methylparaben (MePB) (present in almost 6% of the samples) can greatly increase the skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light exposure.

Consequences

This alteration of the hormonal system can cause obesity, diabetes, thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian problems, asthma, neurodevelopmental problems and increase certain types of cancer.

In addition, it also negatively affects reproductive capacity. According to Dra. Silvia Díaz-Cruz, IDAEA-CSIC researcher and author of the study, these endocrine disruptors affect reproduction and cause a greater risk of suffering endometriosis, infertility and problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

Its presence in the placenta could have negative effects on the early stages of fetal and infant development.

Cosmetic compounds penetrate the skin and enter the blood

The presence of these chemical compounds in the umbilical cord demonstrate the powerful absorption capacity of the skin and the duty to be aware of the cosmetic products that we apply to our bodies.

This news, as, in fact, the researchers afirm at the end of the study, shows that some compounds present in cosmetic products can get into the bloodstream.

But not only that, but also cross the placental barrier.

The researchers note that the main route of exposure to these compounds is through the skin, but they can also enter through the contaminated food, water, or by inhalation of air.

But this is not the first news about this.

Ya el estudio de Rodríguez-Gómez et al., (2015) revealed that 70% of lactating women had milk contaminated with parabens.

Recommendations

A few weeks ago, the head of the obstetrics and gynecology service at Hospital Vithas Las Palmas, Miguel A. Barber, recommended that pregnant women should avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone : “This substance is absorbed through the skin and can pass to the fetus through the placenta and produce toxic effects«.

In my opinion I would recommend not only avoiding oxybenzone (BP3), but also any kind of benzophenone (BP2, BP1...), as well as products with parabens (although fortunately they are less common on the market). Even so, I always recommend checking the composition of the product.

I would also avoid other types of chemical UV filters such as homosalate and octocrylene.

What UV filters to use instead?

Barber advises using sunscreens "with mineral substances such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are not absorbed through the skin and therefore do not cause negative effects on the mother or developing baby".