In recent decades, reproductive and developmental problems have become more and more common. For example, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that male reproductive problems, including cryptorchidism and hypospadias, reversed between 1970 and 1993 Something.

Environmental chemicals are strongly suspected as contributing factors.

Several recent reports have emphasized the presence of low concentrations of potentially reproductive or developmental toxic substances in cosmetics and personal care products, especially phthalates.

The key question is whether the radiation is enough to cause harm.

In June 2004, the California Department of Environment issued "Toxic Growth: Increased Exposure to Chemical Substances and Developmental Diseases", detailing the chemicals found in consumer products and their potential health effects.

At the same time, the Environmental Working Group (Skin Deep: A Safety Assessment of materials in Personal Care Products) and Friends of the Earth (Friends of the Earth) also released other reports.

2003-2004 High Street Retailers’ Survey of Hazardous Chemical Substances in Products Supported the California Environmental Association’s publications.

According to the three reports, cosmetics, shampoos, skin care lotions, nail polish and other personal care products contain chemical ingredients that lack safety data.

In addition, in animal studies, these chemicals are associated with birth defects in male genitalia, decreased sperm counts, and changes in pregnancy outcomes.

There is no conclusive evidence that the same effect on humans, but extensive exposure has been proven, mainly exposure to phthalates.

Phthalates appear in many consumer products as a key component of plastics.

The phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products mainly include dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray .

Usually, their existence is not stated on the label.

Sujatha Jahagirdar, an environmental advocate for the California Department of Environment, said: "Recently published tests and studies have shown that this particular chemical substance (class) has caused people's attention, and these tests and studies point to major potential health problems."

For example, a population study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in EHP in March 2004 showed that 97% of the 2,540 people tested had been exposed to one or more phthalates.

Another preliminary study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that there is a correlation between the concentration of phthalate metabolites in urine and human sperm DNA damage. The results of the study were published in the July 2003 issue of EHP. superior.

However, the source of exposure in this study is unclear.