Using personal care products during and after pregnancy can increase exposure to toxic chemicals

Brown University | November 11, 2024

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"For people who are pregnant or nursing, more use of personal care products is associated with higher detectable levels of synthetic chemicals known to have adverse health effects, a new study by Brown University researchers found.

The study, published in Environment International, found that using personal care products like nail polish, makeup and hair dye while pregnant or lactating is associated with significantly higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in blood plasma and breast milk.

“While PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, our study indicates that personal care products are a modifiable source of PFAS,” said study author Amber Hall, a postdoctoral research associate in epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health. “People who are concerned about their level of exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may benefit from cutting back on personal care products during those times.”