Chemicals that are used in everyday products (phthalates) can now legitimately be blamed for uterine tumor growth, following a study by Northwestern Medicine.
According to corresponding study author Dr. Serdar Bulun, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Medicine physician, up to 80% of women get uterine fibroids, it is common.
“These toxic pollutants are everywhere, including food packaging, hair and makeup products, and more, and their usage is not banned,” said Bulun.
One of the more harmful phthalates indicated by the study was DHTP. which is used to increase the longevity of plastic products. Shower curtains, car upholstery, lunch boxes, and shoes are just some of the materials where DHTP can be found.
DEHP exposure may activate a hormonal pathway that signals an environmentally responsive receptor (AHR) to bind to DNA and cause increased growth of fibroid tumors. Tumor symptoms include excessive and uncontrolled uterine bleeding, anemia, miscarriages, infertility, and large abdominal tumors necessitating difficult surgeries.
The study hopes to spur regulations for manufacturers. Phthalates have been known to be toxic for a while, with EPA openly saying so on their website.
“EPA is concerned about phthalates because of their toxicity and the evidence of pervasive human and environmental exposure to these chemicals. Phthalates are used in many industrial and consumer products, many of which pose potentially high exposure. Phthalates have been detected in food and also measured in humans,” the website says.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/phthalates
