Certain chemicals found in everyday products like detergents and perfumes may cause girls to enter puberty earlier, according to a new study.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Researchers identified musk ambrette, used in personal care products, as a chemical that may disrupt hormones and trigger early puberty.
- These endocrine-disrupting compounds interfere with receptors in the brain that control reproductive functions.
- Despite being restricted in some regions, musk ambrette remains available in the U.S., leading scientists to urge caution.
Key quote:
“Out of an abundance of caution, it is important for parents to only use personal care products for their children that are federally regulated.”
— Natalie Shaw, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Why this matters:
Early puberty in girls can lead to long-term health risks, including hormonal imbalances and increased risk for certain diseases. Chemicals in common products may pose a hidden threat to children’s development, prompting calls for stricter regulation.
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