Consumer Products Giant P&G to Eliminate Phthalates from Product Line

Proctor & Gamble recently announced that it will stop using phthalates in its personal care products (PCPs) by the end of 2014. Phthalates, used to make plastics more flexible and keep scents in perfumes and lotions from evaporating, are one of the chemicals of concern that PROTECT studies for possible linkage to preterm birth.  Our work to date (some of which has already been published – links are below) has contributed to the body of evidence against using phthalates in PCPs.  Our research will continue to explore the consequences of environmental exposure to phthalates, through drinking water and other exposure routes.

PROTECT publications referenced above:

Ferguson KK, Loch-Caruso R, Meeker JD. (2011) Urinary phthalate metabolites in relation to biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: NHANES 1999-2006. Environ Res;111(5):718-26.

Meeker JD, Ferguson KK. (2011) Relationship between urinary phthalate and bisphenol A concentrations and serum thyroid measures in US adults and adolescents from NHANES 2007-08. Environ Health Perspect; 119(10): 1396-402.