Young children who use personal care items, including lotions, ointments and hair conditioners, had greater amounts of phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, according to a recent study.Furthermore, there appeared to be variations in the degree of chemical exposure among children belonging to several racial and ethnic groupings.Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals: What Are They?Endocrine disruptors, another name for hormone-disrupting substances, tamper with the body's hormonal system, which controls development, growth and general health. These substances have the ability to mimic, inhibit or change how hormones like thyroid, testosterone and oestrogen normally act. Common substances that can alter hormones include phthalates, parabens, and several artificial perfumes.What Are Phthalates?Phthalates are a class of compounds that are added to plastics to increase its durability and flexibility. Additionally, they are components of various personal hygiene products.These substances can imitate, inhibit, or otherwise interfere with the body's natural hormones because they are endocrine disruptors. Additionally, there is worry that kids could interfere with important developmental phases.What Has Prior Research SaidPrevious research has connected frequent exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and early infancy to detrimental effects on the developing child, including altered brain function and behavioural issues in addition to other health issues.Researchers are also concerned that girls may be experiencing their first menstrual period sooner due to the environmental exposure of phthalates and other endocrine disrupting substances.Although phthalates don't remain in the body for very long, health experts are concerned about the long-term consequences of repeated exposure.The research, which was written up in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, looks at the clinical information of 630 kids between the ages of 4 and 8, whose urine samples they had taken. Surveys regarding hair and skin care items applied to the child in the previous 24 hours were completed by the child's guardians or parents.According to an expert, who worked on the research, the team discovered that the recent use of multiple skin care product types was associated with higher urinary concentrations of multiple types of phthalates.Another expert points out earlier research on newborns and expectant mothers discovered comparable outcomes, but not on young children in the 4–8 age group.Furthermore, the experts note that the results serve as a crucial warning that some of these products may be exposing children to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly as social media plays a role in the demand for beauty care among tweens and teens.Chemicals Hiding In Plain SightNumerous personal care products, including body washes, conditioners, shampoos, and lotions, include chemicals that may interfere with hormones. Despite the fact that these items are frequently marketed as "safe" for children, the study has shown that prolonged exposure to specific chemicals, even in trace amounts, can have negative effects on health. The results of the study demonstrated that because children's bodies are still developing, they are more susceptible to harmful substances.