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In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Natalie D. Shaw, M.D., and her team have shed light on the potential connection between common chemicals found in personal care products and the onset of early puberty in girls. As part of our in-depth look at this issue, which we covered earlier in our news feature, we spoke with Dr. Shaw to gain further insight into her research and its implications for families and the personal care industry.
The following interview is presented unedited to preserve Dr. Shaw’s original responses and provide a deeper, unfiltered insight into her groundbreaking research on the chemicals in personal care products that may trigger early puberty in girls. This format allows readers to fully grasp the nuances of her work and the complexities of this critical issue.
What specific chemicals in personal care products have been identified as contributing to early puberty in girls, and how prevalent are these chemicals in everyday products?
In this study, we identified musk ambrette and a group of cholinergic agonists as KISS1R or GnRHR agonists by screening a 10,000-compound library of licensed pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, and dietary supplements against a human cell line. Further studies in zebrafish and human hypothalamic neurons demonstrated that musk ambrette increased GnRH expression. The ability of these compounds to stimulate these brain receptors raises the possibility that they may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children. However, a number of additional questions need to be addressed to understand whether current exposure levels in our environment would be capable of doing so. Musk ambrette is of potential concern for children because it may be found in personal care products. A limited number of studies in rats also suggest that it can cross the blood-brain barrier. Children are less likely to encounter cholinergic agonists in their daily lives
Could you explain the biological mechanisms through which these chemicals disrupt hormonal development in children, especially girls?
Our study suggests that these compounds may bind to and activate the kisspeptin or GnRH receptors, thereby triggering early puberty.
In your recent research findings, what age group is most vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals, and why are they more susceptible than others?
It is possible that these compounds may affect the kisspeptin or GnRH receptors at any time before the age of normal puberty—infancy, early childhood, or potentially in utero. Note that the current study was conducted in human cell lines, not in human research subjects or patients, so additional work is necessary to answer this question.
What role does long-term exposure play in the onset of early puberty, and are there any cumulative effects that parents should be aware of?
We have a very limited understanding of which compounds in the environment are causing early puberty, and even less is known about the need for long-term versus short-term exposure to trigger puberty
Has your research team identified any personal care products or alternatives that are safer for use by young girls to prevent early puberty triggers?
No, that was not the goal of this study. We would recommend that parents not use any products that contain musk ambrette or related compounds.
What regulatory changes or safety guidelines would you recommend to mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals in personal care products?
I do not have the expertise in federal regulatory guidelines necessary to answer this question. Please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Food and Drug Administration
How can parents and caregivers protect their children from exposure to these harmful chemicals, given the widespread use of such products?
A number of additional questions need to be addressed to understand whether current exposure levels in our environment would be capable of stimulating these brain receptors that may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children. Musk ambrette is of potential concern for children because it may be found in personal care products. Parents should be careful to read the full list of ingredients in any cosmetic products they use on their children.
This conversation with Dr. Shaw highlights the need for further research and awareness about the chemicals present in personal care products and their potential impact on early puberty in girls. As parents become more informed, there’s hope that safer alternatives and tougher regulations will be introduced to protect the health and well-being of children.
