Vaginal douches may expose women to harmful phthalate chemicals

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-07/gwum-vdm070815.php

Public Release: 14-Jul-2015
Vaginal douches may expose women to harmful phthalate chemicals

George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health

Women who use feminine care products called douches may increase their exposure to harmful chemicals called phthalates--and black women may be at particularly high risk due to frequent use, according to a study published today in the journal Environmental Health.

"This study suggests, for the first time, that vaginal douches may increase a woman's exposure to phthalates, chemicals that may alter hormone action and are associated with serious health problems," says senior author of the study Ami Zota, ScD, MS, an assistant professor of environmental and occupational health at Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) at the George Washington University. "These findings raise questions about the health and safety of vaginal douches and other fragranced products used in and around the vaginal area."

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