The use of lotions like moisturizers or sunscreens, as well as oils, were associated with the highest levels in children. Those who reported using lotions in the previous 24 hours showed higher levels of the type of phthalate that migrates from plastic into products, while hair oil usage was strongly associated with the type of phthalates intentionally added to products.
The study found boys tended to have higher levels than girls, and the varying levels among racial groups may have to do with socioeconomic factors, brand preferences, accessibility, methods of product application or frequency of use, Bloom said.
Cheaper products that are purchased from a dollar store instead of a higher end store are more likely to have product with higher levels of phthalates because it has likely been in a plastic tube for longer and potentially being subjected to higher heat, two issues that cause the chemicals to migrate at greater rates.
Products that are labeled “phthalate-free” are typically more expensive, but that only means the chemicals were not intentionally added to the product. Phthalates from containers can still migrate into “phthalate-free” products and the study found no difference in the levels of the chemical in the urine of those who used “phthalate-free” products compared with those who did not.
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