Teens exposed to chemicals in cosmetics

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A small U.S. study found teenage girls are exposed to hormone-altering chemicals through cosmetics, perfumes and body care products.

The Environmental Working Group said 16 different chemicals from four chemical families --phthalates, triclosan, musks and parabens-- were found in blood and urine samples from 20 teenage girls. The chemicals, which are all commonly used in cosmetics and body care products, are capable of disrupting the hormone system, EWG said.

"Hormone-altering chemicals shouldn't be in cosmetics, especially in products used by millions of teenage girls," report author Rebecca Sutton said in a statement. "Their bodies are still developing and may be especially vulnerable to risks from these exposures."

The EWG said the study provides the first data available from teens on levels of parabens and synthetic musks that act like estrogen in the body.

"Most parents don't know that the eyeliner, lipstick or shampoo they allow their daughters to use probably contains at least one chemical linked to a number of serious health concerns," Sutton said.