Exposure to chemicals in cosmetics can lead to thyroid issues: Study

Exposure to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which is used in cosmetic products, can lead to thyroid disruptions in humans, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

PFCs are used in the manufacture of cosmetics, fabrics, carpets, surfactants, lubricants, paper coatings, and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals take a long time to break down in the body, and this can lead to health issues.

For the study, the researchers assessed data from more than 1,100 people who took part in the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The study took into account levels of four different PFCs. The participants were asked about family history of thyroid diseases, habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating. They were also administered a blood test to identify PFC levels as well as thyroid function.

The study revealed that the exposure to these chemicals can lead to hyperthyroidism in women and hypothyroidism in men.

Of the 23 people who suffered hypothyroidism as a result of PFC exposure, 15 of them were men. In addition, six out of the nine people who developed hyperthyroidism were women.

Study co-author Dr. Chien-Yu Lin, of En Chu Kong Hospital in Taiwan said that the study is the first to link PFC levels in the blood with changes in thyroid function using a nationally representative survey of American adults.

"Although some PFCs . . . have been phased out of production by major manufacturers, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals remain a concern because they linger in the body for extended periods," Lin said.

"Too little information is available about the possible long-term effects these chemicals could have on human health."

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, mental depression, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin and hair, constipation and menstrual irregularities.