Using Cosmetics, Perfumes and Dyes During Pregnancy and After Linked to Higher PFAS Levels in Breast Milk, Study Finds [Video]

In a new study, researchers have found a link between the use of certain personal care products, such as makeup, hair products and fragrances, by pregnant people and higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human milk.

Researchers compared the use of personal care products and PFAS levels in prenatal plasma and human milk of 2,001 pregnant and lactating people within the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study, which took place in 10 cities in Canada from 2008 to 2011.

The results showed that pregnant people who used products like hair dyes, perm solutions, hair sprays and gels, nail polish and other nail products, makeup and fragrance in the first trimester had higher PFAS concentrations in the prenatal plasma and people using these products in the third trimester had higher PFAS concentrations in their milk after giving birth. The scientists published their findings in the journal Environment International.

A graphical abstract …