The gold dust bought at Walmart may make your graduation photo pretty. But one blow and it’s forever cycling as microplastics that will get into our lungs.
Girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be more likely to start puberty early, according to a new study published in Endocrinology. EDCs can mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body’s endocrine system.
There has been a concerning rise in early puberty in girls, which could be attributed to chemicals in our environment. Early puberty is linked to an increased risk of various health issues like psychosocial problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences identified several substances that may contribute to early puberty in girls, including musk ambrette, found in some detergents, perfumes, and personal care products.
Watch out for musk ambrette
Musk Ambrette listed as a problematic chemical for endocrine health
Musk ambrette and cholinergic agonists are among the substances that may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children, potentially leading to early puberty. Musk ambrette, in particular, is concerning due to its presence in personal care products and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Regulations in Canada and Europe restrict the use of musk ambrette due to its potential toxicity, but the fragrance can still be found in some personal care products in the market.
Parents are advised to use federally regulated personal care products on their children as a precaution. Further studies are required to confirm the effects of these chemicals on early puberty.
The study highlights the importance of assessing environmental substances for their impact on human health and emphasizes the need for greater caution when it comes to children’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
