Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben)
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-02-14 (EDT)
Parabens are one of many toxic environmental chemicals. They are added to plastics to impart resilience and flexibility. Smaller phthalates are used to prolong the length of time that a scented product maintains its fragrance. They are used widely as an antimicrobial, a preservative and flavorant in food, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations to increase shelf life.
Sources
- sprays, fragrances, conditioners; shampoos, hair gels, deodorants, antiperspirants, soaps, hand sanitizers, facial masks and foundations, sunscreens, self-tanners, hair removal creams and shaving gels, nail and skin creams, baby lotion.
- Pharmaceuticals
- injectable drugs, antacids, suppositories, Benadryl cream, hydrocortisone creams and ointments, medicated pain-relieving patches, mentholated vapor rub, chap stick, antifungal and antibacterial preparations.
- Industry:
- added to plastics to make them soft and flexible – parabens are ubiquitous in nature
- automobile parts, lubricating oils, detergents.
- Household Products:'
- plastic wrap, plastic bottles, plastic food storage containers
- vinyl flooring, detergents
- children's toys, shower curtains raincoats
- furniture, flooring, wallpaper, blow-up furniture
- packaged meats, fish and poultry
- mayonnaise, oils, salad dressing, catsup, pickles, relishes
- processed fruits and vegetables
- frozen dairy products
- cakses, pies, pastries, icings
- jellies and jams
- beers and ciders, soft drinks, fruit juices
- syrups, and some candies.
- may also be derived from bacterial metabolism in the gut.
Impact on Health
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Estrogenic activity
- Decreases testosterone levels and sperm count in animal studies
Metabolism
- Alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, parabens, are hydrolyzed to para-hydroxybenzolate, the main metabolite of parabens, via tissue esterases found in skin, subcutaneous fat, liver and kidney.
- Bioaccumulation of parabens may result from chronic exposure.
- Thyroid dsyfunction
- Liver and kidney toxicity
- Changes in behaviour and cognition.