Parabens are a group of compounds that naturally occur in blueberries, prunes, cinnamon and other types of fruits. Synthetic parabens are petroleum derived and are used as a preservatives
and shelf- life stabilizers in a wide range of products including cosmetics, deodorants, face creams, shampoo, toothpaste, in small amounts as food preservatives and in certain baby products.
They are considered
‘safe’ within the pharmaceutical industry due to their apparently low level of
toxicity. Members of this group of compounds include methylparaben,
ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben,
and benzylparaben.
While the occasional use of a OTC skin or
face cream containg parabens may pose no risk to human health, the concern is what happens with
long term use and exposure. When applied to the skin parabens are readily absorbed and enters the
blood stream. Once in the blood steam it is metabolized, it can be stored in
various types of tissues and it can interact with various cellular receptors to
instigate a cellular response. Below are some links to the controversy. Become
informed and make your own decision about the use of parabens. Check your toiletries and cosmetics… do
they contain parabens?
Most recent research – an Abstract
Barr L, Metaxas G, Harbach CA, Savoy LA Darbre PD.
Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locations
across the breast from axilla to sternum.J Appl Toxicol. 2012 Jan 12. doi:
10.1002/jat.1786. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22237600
About Parabens from the David Suzuki Foundation: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---parabens/
Read about what the FDA has to
say about parabens: http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/selectedcosmeticingredients/ucm128042.htm
Another abstract
Golden R, Grandy J, Vollmer G. A review of the endocrine
activity of parabens and implications for potential risks to human health.
Beware of
Parabens By Ted Waszkuc, Ph.D.,
Methods Development Scientist, NOW Foods http://www.nowfoods.com/M095620.htm
Very lengthy with
pharmaceutical using jargon.
European Commission - Scientific
Committee on Consumer Safety SCCS
Opinion on Parabens
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