July 13, 2012 A study lead by researchers from Brigham and
Women's Hospital (BWH) shows an association between increased
concentrations of phthalates in the body and an increased risk
of diabetes in women. Phthalates are endocrine disrupting
chemicals that are commonly found in personal care products such
as moisturizers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes.
They are also used in adhesives, electronics, toys and a variety
of other products. This finding is published in the July 13,
2012 online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.
Researchers, lead by Tamarra James-Todd, PhD, a researcher in
the Division of Women's Health at BWH, analyzed urinary
concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women who participated in
the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found
that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were
more likely to have diabetes. Specifically: - Women who had the
highest levels of the chemicals mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-
isobutyl phthalate had almost