A new report finds fewer controversial chemicals in personal care products, such as perfume and hair spray. Some manufacturers are removing or reducing their use of hormone-like ingredients called phthalates, commonly found in fragrances, according to a study released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of environmental groups.
Environmentalists have called for manufacturers to phase out phthalates because of studies that link them to genital changes in baby boys, reduced sperm counts in men and early puberty in girls. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found phthalates in the urine of nearly everyone tested.
The campaign's 2002 study found that more than 70% of 72 products tested contained phthalates. Phthalates usually aren't listed on ingredient labels. They also may leach into products from plastic containers.
Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-12-09-perfume_N.htm
