Written by: Alejandra Legarda

A study led by Northeastern University has identified that certain chemicals present in personal care products, such as sunscreens and makeup, could increase the risk of hypertension during pregnancy, with potential long-term health consequences for both the mother and the fetus. The compounds in question are phenols and parabens, commonly used as UV filters in sunscreens and to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetics.

The study focused on examining the associations between exposure to these chemicals individually and in combination, highlighting the importance of considering the cumulative effects of multiple chemical exposures. Traditionally, research has addressed exposure to a single substance at a time, but this approach does not reflect the everyday reality where people are exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously. The research placed particular emphasis on the cardiovascular health of women during and after pregnancy. It was found that gestational hypertension can lead to complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and diabetes. Furthermore, women who develop hypertension during pregnancy are at greater risk of chronic hypertension and other cardiovascular health problems in the future, underscoring the importance of considering the long-term effects of these exposures.

The study was conducted on pregnant women in Puerto Rico, a region with a high concentration of Superfund sites, areas contaminated with hazardous chemicals. These women have been exposed to a highly toxic environmental setting, in addition to facing other challenges such as poverty and the effects of climate change, which also impact water quality and living conditions. This combination of factors makes pregnant women particularly vulnerable to the effects of chemical substances.

Researchers stress the need to reassess chemical policies in the United States. Currently, companies can market products containing chemicals without comprehensive safety testing. This has led to the proliferation of products with potentially harmful components. According to experts, it is crucial to push for policy changes to limit the industry's ability to introduce toxic substances into products before their health impacts are fully understood. Additionally, there is a call to develop safer alternatives in personal care products, especially in sunscreens that do not compromise health while protecting against skin cancer.