Leading medical experts have warned that the excessive use of perfumes, deodorants and body sprays containing harmful chemicals could cause cancer to the users.
In separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the internal medicine professionals explained that products containing harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, aluminium and triclosan, among others, were endocrine-disrupting chemicals that could interfere with the body’s normal hormone regulation.
They stressed that endocrine disruptors are molecular substances that are capable of altering the natural hormones of the human body, stating that hormones are chemical substances produced by organs in the body to regulate body function.
They further noted that girls and women who constantly used such products were at risk of menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, early puberty, increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers and thyroid dysfunction.
The experts also stated that males who used such products were also at risk of fertility problems, diabetes and cancer, among other ailments.
In the short term, some users were at risk of respiratory discomforts, such as sneezing and choking, noting that rashes and itching were other side effects.
The physicians called for proper labelling of beauty and fragrance products with such chemicals, advising Nigerians to avoid such products.
Commenting on the matter, a Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Andrew Uloko, stated that perfumes, sprays, deodorants, and antiperspirants could contain endocrine disruptors that interfere with the body’s natural hormone production and regulation.
He noted that some products could contain ‘chemicals like parabens, phthalates, aluminium, and triclosan. Some of these chemicals are preservatives or added for fragrance, while others, like aluminium, are used in antiperspirants to reduce sweating. But they can alter the body’s hormonal balance and lead to health problems’.
The Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist with the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, further noted that while both men and women are affected, women are at higher risk due to higher usage of beauty and cosmetic products.
‘When you talk about beauty products generally and cosmetics, including body spray, the gender that uses them the most is the female gender. So, it will be understandable that the gender that uses it the most will have the most issues. But it affects both males and females, there is no restriction as to gender. But the more the use, the more the likelihood of affectation’, he said.
On the short-term effects, the professor listed skin irritation, allergic reactions, rashes, itching, and respiratory distress, especially in people with sensitive airways.
‘Inhaling strong perfumes can cause sneezing, choking sensations, and even acute allergic asthma attacks’, he warned.
Speaking on the health risks that could occur in the long-term consequences, Uloko said, ‘In the long term, for both males and females, they can cause fertility problems. Of course, fertility problems are more pronounced in females, maybe because females are the ones who come for evaluation, the most for fertility challenges. But they can affect both males and females and cause certain cancers, for example, skin cancer, breast cancer in females, and prostate cancer in males.
‘Sometimes endocrine problems like thyroid disorders, for example. Sometimes they can cause neurologic problems, or what we call neurodevelopmental disorders, something like hypertension, hyperactivity disorders.
‘Again, they can cause metabolic problems like obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. In females, it could cause other reproductive problems like puberty occurring earlier than it should or being delayed’.
The President of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria further stated that while some of the short-term effects may be reversed by simply discontinuing use, long-term complications might persist even after the products are stopped.
‘If cancer or diabetes has already developed due to long-term use, stopping the product alone may not reverse the condition. You will then have to manage the illness as it is’, he explained.
On regulation, he called for a stronger framework in Nigeria to monitor and control the chemical composition of beauty products.
_There should be policies to ban or limit the use of harmful substances. Regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON must step up’, he said.
He cited past efforts like the ban on hydroquinone-containing creams as a positive example, but added that more consistent action is needed.
‘We hardly hear about regulatory actions anymore. There’s a lot of work still to be done’, he said.
The endocrinologist warned of an increase in non-communicable diseases if the current trend continues unchecked.
‘If Nigeria becomes a dumping ground for unregulated cosmetic products, the future could see even more cases of cancers, infertility, diabetes, and other diseases’, he said.
Uloko urged Nigerians to consider healthier alternatives.
‘Cut down on usage. Look for products labelled free of harmful chemicals. Prefer organic and natural alternatives. Even food choices matter, consume more fresh and antioxidant-rich foods like vitamin C and folate’, he advised.
He emphasised the need for public awareness and further research into the link between cosmetic product usage and chronic health conditions.
_The rise in non-communicable diseases in our population today may not be unconnected with the products we use daily’, the don stated.
For his part, the President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, Prof Dasetima Altraide, stated that certain perfumes and cosmetics had the potential to cause hormonal disruptions.
He explained that the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and bisphenol A, among others, interfered with the body’s hormonal systems, causing health problems.
The don said, ‘Certain cosmetics and perfumes can potentially cause hormonal disruptions in women due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These substances can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems and are linked to a range of health issues.
‘Chemical Ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and bisphenol A are responsible’.
Continuing, the consultant dermatologist stated that these chemicals had the potential to cause ‘menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, early puberty, increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast cancer) and thyroid dysfunction’.
To minimise the risk of these conditions, the NAD president advised individuals to ‘choose fragrance-free or phthalate/paraben-free products, look for certified organic or eco-label products’.
Altraide further decried the lack of proper regulation of beauty and fragrance products in the country, stating that it was a contributing factor to hormonal disruptions.
He noted that ‘there have been recalls for some products by companies that later identified some of these products’.
He asserted that the continuous use of cosmetic products and fragrance with these harmful chemicals could lead to ‘a rise in the prevalence of diseases’.
