EARLIER PUBERTY - ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
ALARMING EARLIER PUBERTY - A growing body of research indicates a disturbing global trend towards earlier breast development in girls. While both genetic and environmental factors influence puberty timing, the rapid pace of this current trend strongly suggests that environmental factors are playing a significant role.
Numerous studies have investigated potential environmental triggers, including endocrine-active chemicals (either pollutants or not), but definitive associations have been elusive. However, the implications of early puberty are substantial, encompassing increased risks of psychosocial problems, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, breast cancer, and fertility issues. To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon and identify potential solutions, exploring the linked scientific articles is essential.
The endocrine system regulates essential biological processes, including growth, fertility, reproduction, stress, immunity, and metabolism. Hormones, the chemical messengers of the endocrine system, act in tiny amounts, and even minor disruptions can have significant consequences. Endocrine-active substances are natural or artificial chemicals that can interact with the endocrine system, leading to both beneficial and harmful effects. Endocrine-active substances can mimic, block, or interfere with the body's hormones, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the endocrine system. When the effects of the endocrine-active substances are negative, these chemicals are classified as “endocrine disruptors”. Despite ongoing research, the distinction between endocrine-active substances and endocrine disruptors remains a subject of scientific debate.
Endocrine disruptors are found in a wide range of everyday products, including cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, toys, carpet, pesticides, and flame retardants. According to the Endocrine Society, there are over 1000 human-made chemicals that could potentially act as endocrine disruptors, in addition to natural sources.
To overcome the limitations inherent to observational studies in pediatric research, scientists used high-throughput screening approaches to identify environmental compounds that may activate the neuro-reproductive axis. To this end, they interrogated a compound library of 10 000 molecules, including a combination of licensed pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals, of which 8 312 are unique.
Musk ambrette (a synthetic form of musk, a nitro-musk), mercuric iodide, and four long-chain detergent compounds were identified as critical chemicals. These six compounds were further evaluated using cell models and Danio rerio models, and musk ambrette was found to have a high potential toxicity as an endocrine disruptor. Future epidemiological investigations of pubertal timing should prioritize synthetic nitro-musks, cholinergic agonists (chemicals that can mimic the effects of acetylcholine), and other structurally similar compounds. While confirmatory studies in girls with early puberty are essential, these compounds warrant increased attention. While children are not likely to encounter cholinergic agonists in their daily lives, musk ambrette poses a significant concern. Because it is commonly found in personal care products and can have harmful effects on the endocrine system.
Musk ambrette is a common fragrance component found in various personal care and household products, including soaps, detergents, lotions, perfumes, beverages, and foods. It is used to add scent to these products and as a flavouring food additive. Due to its association with neurotoxicity in rats, the European Union discontinued its use in personal care and cosmetic products in the 1990s, and the International Fragrance Association prohibits its use in fragrances. However, musk ambrette can still be found in products with undisclosed fragrances, imported products, or those sold in secondhand stores or discount stores. Additionally, musk chemicals are still produced in some countries, such as China and India, and can be found in non-cosmetic compounds in the United States.
These compounds have been detected in freshwater fish, river water, and wastewater, suggesting the possibility of oral exposure in children through food or water. Exposure to musk ambrette compounds is also concerning due to their ability to bio-accumulate in human tissues. Studies have detected these compounds in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk. Given the environmental persistence and continued use of nitro-musks, even at a reduced level, the potential for long-term exposure to musk ambrette is a significant concern. This exposure could contribute to the trend of earlier puberty in girls and may cause abnormal development and metabolic effects in other species.
While it's impossible to completely avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in our daily lives, especially since they can be found in drinking water and food, we can take steps to minimize our exposure. One way is to choose certified products that meet rigorous health and transparency standards. To avoid undisclosed fragrances, be cautious of products labeled simply as 'fragrance'. Instead, opt for products that list all of their fragrance ingredients, as this can help you identify potentially harmful substances like musk ambrette.
Identification of Environmental Compounds That May Trigger Early Female Puberty.
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Worldwide Secular Trends in Age at Pubertal Onset Assessed by Breast Development Among Girls.
Perfumery, Essential Oils, and Household Chemicals Affecting Reproductive and Sexual Health.
Endocrine disruptors.
Musk ambrette.