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Cosmetics' Plastic Peril: Problematic Stretch Creams May Harm Fetuses
pine Webmaster of Pineapple
2011/05/31 02:56
508 topics published
2011-05-31 [China Times Electronic News / Comprehensive Report]

Phthalates not only harm people but also affect future generations! Even the stretch mark creams pregnant women apply daily on their bellies are not spared from "phthalate contamination," leaving expectant mothers in fear and condemning unscrupulous businesses.

Media reports indicate that Professor Li Junzhang from the Institute of Environmental Medicine at National Cheng Kung University conducted a two-year study involving 76 pregnant women. The shocking results revealed that those who applied stretch mark creams daily during the later stages of pregnancy (eight to nine months) had urine phthalate levels 20% to 30% higher than those who did not use such creams in early pregnancy. Doctors do not rule out the possibility that phthalates could be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Professor Li also noted that when the use of stretch mark creams was discontinued, the phthalate levels in the pregnant women decreased accordingly.

Currently, cosmetics, skincare products, nail polish, and stretch mark creams are allowed to contain phthalates at concentrations below 100 ppm. In light of this, Professor Li advises pregnant women to avoid scented stretch mark creams and to carefully select perfumes, cosmetics, skincare products, and even food containers. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of thoroughly removing makeup to prevent harmful substances from lingering on the skin. As the brands of problematic stretch mark creams have not been disclosed, major manufacturers have rushed to clarify that their products meet safety standards.

However, consumers are now deeply anxious, unsure of which food and daily products are truly safe. Professor Sun Luxi from the Institute of Food Science and Technology at National Taiwan University described the phthalate crisis as "the most severe incident in her 30-year career." Consequently, the National Health Research Institutes will conduct long-term studies focusing on pregnant women and children to safeguard the public's right to know.

Source: http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ f……0108847/ 132011053100755. html
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