by: Karon Beattie

High levels of a chemical blamed for causing infertility in men have been found in some of the world's best-known perfumes and cosmetics.

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Chanel No 5, Christian Dior's Poison, Eternity from Calvin Klein and Tresor by Lancome were among 34 toiletries found by a Swedish study to contain di-ethylhexyl phthalate or other phthalates. The European Commission is proposing a ban on the use in cosmetics of two of the most potent forms of phthalates amid fears they cause genital abnormalities affecting up to 4 per cent of male babies.

These genital abnormalities - which can include undescended testicles and malformation of the urinary tract - are blamed for soaring levels of testicular cancer in young men. Cases of the disease have risen tenfold in the past century. About 1,900 British males, some as young as 15, are diagnosed every year. Nine out of 10 cases are cured, but doctors are worried by the trend.

Scientists believe the phthalates could be absorbed into women's bloodstreams through the skin or inhalation.

Numerous studies on rats and mice have shown phthalate exposure causes genital abnormality. The latest research was conducted by a Swedish government-accredited laboratory for Healthcare Without Harm, a US-based organisation representing 300 consumer pressure groups around the world.

Researchers at the Analycen lab analysed 34 leading brands of cosmetics and found more than three-quarters contained phthalates, which help prevent loss of fragrance.

The investigation found other forms of the chemical in Tommy Girl perfume, Impulse Body Spray, Nivea Deo Compact, Sure Ultra deodorant, Shockwaves hair mousse and four hairsprays including Elnett Satin, Pantene Pro-V Extra Hold and Vidal Sassoon.

Per Rosander, who wrote the report, said: "What we know about these chemicals is that they cause damage to the reproductive system. That is why they have been classed by the EU as reproductive toxins."

Richard Sharpe, of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh, said: "If you wanted to produce a list of environmental causes of the reproductive health problems in boys, phthalates would be pretty near the top of the list."

Actor Julia Sawalha, who played Saffy in Absolutely Fabulous, supports the Women's Environmental Network, a backer of the Swedish research. "Chemicals that pose a risk to fertility do not belong in cosmetics, and manufacturers should be made to list ingredients," she said. [The Sunday Times November 25, 2002.]

It seems an inescapable fact that corporations need to be held accountable for the ingredients in the products they sell, and their effect on people’s health. Western governments and ourselves as individuals, need to demand that the War on Prevention is kickstarted.

In the meantime, we need to avoid all the above if we have cancer already, or wish to avoid it in future.

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