Can personal care products increase diabetes risk?

Many women across the country will have washed with soap, put on some moisturiser, painted their nails, used hairspray and added a spritz of perfume this morning. However, these activities could be increasing their risk of diabetes.

A new study claims that chemicals known as phthalates found in personal care products puts women at a greater threat of developing diabetes.

Phthalates disrupt endocrine and are also used in adhesives, electronics, toys and other products.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital analysed urinary concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women and found that those with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to have diabetes.

It was also found that women who had the highest levels of mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate had almost twice the risk of diabetes.

Dr Tamarra James-Todd, lead researcher on the study, commented: "We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women."

Exposure to phthalates is also believed to a cause of eczema in children, according to research conducted at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.