Chemicals commonly found in perfumes, toiletries, plastics, and packaging may be associated with increased blood pressure during pregnancy, according to a new study. Pregnant women with the highest levels of phthalates, a group of synthetic chemicals used to soften plastics, in their blood exhibited the highest blood pressure measurements.
Past research has linked phthalates to reproductive issues, including reduced sperm count and fertility complications. The current study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, followed 338 pregnant women. Researchers measured chemical levels in urine and blood pressure at 11, 19, and 26 weeks of gestation. The findings indicated that 13% of the participants developed a pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorder.
Monoethyl phthalate, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled from air and dust containing fragrance residues, was identified as the chemical most consistently linked to higher blood pressure. High blood pressure in pregnancy, affecting about 10% of pregnant women in the UK, is defined as dangerously high force of blood against artery walls and increases the risk of serious complications like premature delivery and low birth weight.
While factors such as obesity can contribute to high blood pressure, this study suggests that chemical exposure may also play a role. "Our study suggests that having higher concentrations of personal care product-associated chemicals – known as phthalates – in the body might contribute to elevated blood pressure in pregnancy," stated Kimberly Parra, a doctoral candidate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She added, "Reducing exposure to this class of chemicals by limiting personal care products containing these ingredients, particularly those with fragrance, may be a way to address high blood pressure in pregnancy and improve pregnancy health."
Phthalates are classified as reproductive toxicants and are banned in makeup and beauty products sold in the UK. However, generic labeling practices often group various fragrance ingredients under single terms like 'fragrance' or 'parfum,' potentially obscuring the presence of specific non-banned or trace components.