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Chang CJ, O’Brien KM, Kresovich JK, Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Xu Z, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Sandler DP, Taylor JA, White AJ. Associations between use of chemical hair products and epigenetic age: Findings from the Sister Study. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e311. [PMID: 38799263 PMCID: PMC11115975 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hair products may be a source of harmful chemicals and have been linked to age-related health outcomes. We investigated whether the use of hair products is related to epigenetic age in a sample of Black (both Hispanic and non-Hispanic) and non-Hispanic White women. Methods In a subset of 4358 participants aged 35-74 years from the Sister Study, we estimated cross-sectional associations between self-reported use of four chemical hair products (permanent dye, semipermanent dye, straighteners/relaxers, and hair permanents/body waves) in the year before enrollment (2003-2009) and three DNA methylation-based measures of epigenetic age (DunedinPACE, GrimAge age acceleration [GrimAgeAccel], and PhenoAge age acceleration [PhenoAgeAccel]) using survey-weighted multivariable linear regressions. Associations were estimated both overall and by self-identified race and ethnicity, adjusting for chronological age, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, body mass index, menopausal status, and DNA methylation platform. Results Associations between the use of hair products and the three epigenetic age measures were largely null. Use of hair permanents/body waves was modestly associated with higher DunedinPACE among all participants (βever-never = 0.010; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.001, 0.019) and with lower PhenoAgeAccel among Black women (βever-never = -1.53; 95% CI = -2.84, -0.21). Conclusion In this US-based study, we found little evidence of associations between chemical hair product use and epigenetic age in Black and non-Hispanic White women. Observed associations were modest and largely not supported by dose-response relationships or were inconsistent across epigenetic age measures. Previously observed associations between chemical hair product use and aging-related health outcomes may not be explained by the biological aging pathways captured by DunedinPACE, GrimAgeAccel, or PhenoAgeAccel. Alternative biological pathways are worth investigating in racially diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jacob K. Kresovich
- Departments of Cancer Epidemiology and Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Symielle A. Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Alexandra J. White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Taylor KW, Co CA, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Harmon Q, Baird DD. Frequency of personal care product use among reproductive-aged Black individuals and associations with socio-demographic characteristics. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00690-x. [PMID: 38811800 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to White women, Black women in the United States are more likely to use personal care products (PCPs) with higher concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and harsher chemical formulations. This may contribute to differential health outcomes in Black women such as increased risk of breast cancer, cardiometabolic outcomes, adverse birth outcomes, and uterine fibroids. OBJECTIVE Classify distinct PCP use patterns across multiple types of products and examine how patterns vary by socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS The Study of Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids is a cohort study of reproductive-aged Black individuals living around Detroit, Michigan. Using self-reported data on frequency of PCP collected between 2013-2018, we employed latent class analysis to identify distinct groups of participants with similar PCP use. Socio-demographic characteristics were compared across latent classes. RESULTS Among 1562 participants, we identified 6 latent classes: Lower Overall; Higher Nailcare; Higher Skincare; Moderate Overall; Higher Makeup/Haircare/Skincare; Higher Overall. Makeup and nailcare usage were the most predictive for classifying participants into groups. Participants in classes with less frequent use of all PCPs and those with only high use of nailcare products, were more likely to report lower socio-economic status (SES), be current smokers, have a body mass index of ≥35 kg/m2, and have ≥3 births. In comparison, participants in classes with average and more frequent use of PCPs were more likely to report higher SES, be non-smokers, be nulliparous, and have ever used oral contraceptives. IMPACT STATEMENT This study is one of the first detailed assessments of PCP usage among a large cohort of young adult Black women that considers multiple product categories including makeup, hair, skin, nail, and vaginal products. Latent class analysis was used to capture complex patterns of PCP use and identify distinct groups of individuals with similar product use. Although the latent classes are specific to this study population, the identified socio-demographic characteristics or behaviors associated with latent classes may inform targeted and impactful exposure reduction strategies in similar populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla W Taylor
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Caroll A Co
- Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Corp Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Symielle A Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Quaker Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Schildroth S, Geller RJ, Wesselink AK, Lovett SM, Bethea TN, Claus Henn B, Harmon QE, Taylor KM, Calafat AM, Wegienka G, Gaston SA, Baird DD, Wise LA. Hair product use and urinary biomarker concentrations of non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals among reproductive-aged Black women. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142442. [PMID: 38810806 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown an association between hair product use and adverse health outcomes. Scientists have hypothesized that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) drives these associations, but few studies have directly evaluated associations between hair product use and biomarkers of EDCs. Even more limited are studies of Black women, who frequently use EDC-containing products (e.g., hair relaxers). OBJECTIVE We estimated associations between hair product use and EDC biomarker concentrations. METHODS We leveraged cross-sectional data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a cohort of females aged 23-34 years who self-identified as Black/African American from the Detroit-metropolitan area (USA; n = 425). On structured questionnaires, participants reported their past 24-h and past 12-month use of hair products, including relaxers/straighteners/perms, styling products, moisturizers, oils, and hair food. We quantified urinary concentrations of 19 phthalate/phthalate alternative metabolites, 7 phenols, and 4 parabens using high performance liquid chromatography isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. EDC biomarker concentrations were creatinine-adjusted and natural log-transformed. We used multivariable linear regression to estimate mean percent differences in EDC biomarker concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with hair product use, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders. RESULTS Hair product use was associated with greater concentrations of multiple EDC biomarkers. Notably, use of hair products in the previous 24 h (compared with non-use) was associated with 16.2% (95% CI = 0.7%, 35.9%), 35.0% (95% CI = 2.6%, 77.6%), and 32.3% (95% CI = 8.8%, 92.0%) higher concentrations of mono-isobutyl phthalate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben, respectively. Use of hair relaxers/straighteners/perms, styling products, moisturizers, oils, and hair food in the past 12 months was also associated with higher concentrations of multiple phthalate, phenol, and paraben biomarkers. CONCLUSION Hair product use was associated with higher biomarker concentrations of multiple phthalates, phenols, and parabens. These findings suggest that hair products are potentially important exposure sources for hormonally-active chemicals among Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA.
| | - Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham NC, USA
| | - Kyla M Taylor
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NC, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA, USA
| | | | | | - Donna D Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
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Schildroth S, Bethea TN, Wesselink AK, Friedman A, Fruh V, Calafat AM, Wegienka G, Gaston S, Baird DD, Wise LA, Claus Henn B. Personal Care Products, Socioeconomic Status, and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Mixtures in Black Women. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3641-3653. [PMID: 38347750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) are sources of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) among women, and socioeconomic status (SES) may influence these exposures. Black women have inequitable exposure to EDCs from PCP use, but no study has investigated how exposure to EDCs through PCPs may vary by SES, independent of race. Using data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a cohort of reproductive-aged Black women (n = 751), we quantified associations between PCPs and urinary biomarker concentrations of EDC mixtures (i.e., phthalates, phenols, parabens) within SES groups, defined using k-modes clustering based on education, income, marital status, and employment. Information about PCP use and SES was collected through questionnaires and interviews. We used principal component analysis to characterize the EDC mixture profiles. Stratified linear regression models were fit to assess associations between PCP use and EDC mixture profiles, quantified as mean differences in PC scores, by SES group. Associations between PCP use and EDC mixture profiles varied by SES group; e.g., vaginal powder use was associated with a mixture of phenols among lower SES women, whereas this association was null for higher SES women. Findings suggest that SES influences PCP EDC exposure in Black women, which has implications for public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachussetts 02118, United States
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington D. C. 20007, United States
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachussetts 02118, United States
| | - Alexa Friedman
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, United States
| | - Ganesa Wegienka
- Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Symielle Gaston
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Donna D Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachussetts 02118, United States
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
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Goldberg M, Chang CJ, Ogunsina K, O’Brien KM, Taylor KW, White AJ, Sandler DP. Personal Care Product Use during Puberty and Incident Breast Cancer among Black, Hispanic/Latina, and White Women in a Prospective US-Wide Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:27001. [PMID: 38306193 PMCID: PMC10836586 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some personal care products (PCPs) contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may affect breast cancer (BC) risk. Patterns of use vary by race and ethnicity. Use often starts in adolescence, when rapidly developing breast tissue may be more susceptible to environmental carcinogens. Few studies have examined associations of BC with PCP use during this susceptible window. OBJECTIVES We characterized race and ethnicity-specific patterns of PCP use at 10-13 years of age and estimated associations of use with incident BC. METHODS At enrollment (2003-2009), Sister Study participants (n = 4,049 Black, 2,104 Latina, and 39,312 White women) 35-74 years of age reported use of 37 "everyday" PCPs during the ages of 10-13 y (did not use, sometimes, or frequently used). We conducted race and ethnicity-specific latent class analyses to separately identify groups of women with similar patterns of beauty, hair, and skincare/hygiene product use. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of identified PCP classes and single products with incident BC using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS During a mean follow-up time of 10.8 y, 280 Black, 128 Latina, and 3,137 White women were diagnosed with BC. Classes of adolescent PCP use were not clearly associated with BC diagnosis among Black, Latina, or White women. HRs were elevated but imprecise for frequent nail product and perfume use in Black women (HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.85, 2.12) and greater hair product use in Black (HR = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.80) and Latina (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.81, 2.48) women compared with lighter use. In single-product models, we observed higher BC incidence associated with frequent use of lipstick, nail products, pomade, perfume, makeup remover, and acne/blemish products in at least one group. DISCUSSION This work provides some support for the hypothesis that PCP use during puberty is associated with BC risk. More research is needed to confirm these novel findings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13882.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Goldberg
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kemi Ogunsina
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kyla W. Taylor
- Integrative Health Assessments Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra J. White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Chang CJ, O'Brien KM, Keil AP, Goldberg M, Taylor KW, Sandler DP, White AJ. Use of personal care product mixtures and incident hormone-sensitive cancers in the Sister Study: A U.S.-wide prospective cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108298. [PMID: 38043324 PMCID: PMC10841676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products (PCPs), a source of endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure, may be associated with the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. Few studies have investigated associations for PCP use with the incidence of hormone-sensitive cancers or considered the joint effect of multiple correlated PCPs. We examined associations between frequently used, or "everyday", PCPs and incident cancers of the breast, ovary, and uterus with a fucus on the joint effect of multiple product exposure. METHODS Sister Study participants (n=49 899) self-reported frequency of use in the year before enrollment (2003-2009) for 41 PCPs. Using five-level frequency categories based on questionnaire options, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the associations between multiple PCP use and incident breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer using quantile-based g-computation with Cox proportional hazards regression as the underlying model. Multiple PCP use was examined using groupings (beauty, hygiene, and skincare products) determined by both a priori knowledge and Spearman correlation coefficients for co-occurring product use. Associations between individual PCPs and the three cancers were also examined using Cox proportional hazards models coupling with Benjamini-Hochberg procedure for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Over an average of 11.6 years, 4 226 breast, 277 ovarian, and 403 uterine cancer cases were identified. Positive associations were observed between the hygiene mixture and ovarian cancer (HR=1.35, 95%CI=1.00, 1.83) and the beauty mixture with postmenopausal breast cancer (HR=1.08, 95%CI=1.01, 1.16). Additionally, we observed an inverse association between the skincare mixture and breast cancer (HR=0.91, 95%CI=0.83, 0.99). No significant associations were observed for individual products after corrected for multiple comparison. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this multi-product, joint-effect approach contribute to the growing body of evidence for associations between PCPs and breast cancer and provides novel information on ovarian and uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Katie M O'Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mandy Goldberg
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kyla W Taylor
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra J White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Bertrand KA, Delp L, Coogan PF, Cozier YC, Lenzy YM, Rosenberg L, Palmer JR. Hair relaxer use and risk of uterine cancer in the Black Women's Health Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117228. [PMID: 37821068 PMCID: PMC10842360 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical hair relaxers, use of which is highly prevalent among Black women in the US, have been inconsistently linked to risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer, and other reproductive health conditions. Whether hair relaxer use increases risk of uterine cancer is unknown. METHODS In the Black Women's Health Study, 44,798 women with an intact uterus who self-identified as Black were followed from 1997, when chemical hair relaxer use was queried, until 2019. Over follow-up, 347 incident uterine cancers were diagnosed. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for age and other potential confounders, to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of hair relaxer use with risk of uterine cancer. RESULTS Compared to women who never used hair relaxers or used them infrequently (<4 years and ≤1-2 times/year), the HR for uterine cancer associated with heavy use (≥15 years and at least 5 times/year) was 1.18 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.71). However, among postmenopausal women, compared to never/light use, the HR for moderate use was 1.60 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.53), the HR for heavy use was 1.64 (1.01, 2.64), and the HR for ≥20 years of use regardless of frequency was 1.71 (1.08, 2.72). Results among premenopausal women were null. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort of Black women, long-term use of chemical hair relaxers was associated with increased risk of uterine cancer among postmenopausal women, but not among premenopausal women. These findings suggest that hair relaxer use may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Bertrand
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren Delp
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yvette C Cozier
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yolanda M Lenzy
- Lenzy Dermatology and Hair Loss Center, Chicopee, MA, USA; University of Connecticut Health Dermatology, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Taylor KW, Howdeshell KL, Bommarito PA, Sibrizzi CA, Blain RB, Magnuson K, Lemeris C, Tracy W, Baird DD, Jackson CL, Gaston SA, Rider CV, Walker VR, Rooney AA. Systematic evidence mapping informs a class-based approach to assessing personal care products and pubertal timing. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108307. [PMID: 37948866 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products (PCPs) contain many different compounds and are a source of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and phenols. Early-life exposure to EDCs commonly found in PCPs has been linked to earlier onset of puberty. OBJECTIVE To characterize the human and animal evidence on the association between puberty-related outcomes and exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents and, if there is sufficient evidence, identify groups of chemicals and outcomes to support a systematic review for a class-based hazard or risk assessment. METHODS We followed the OHAT systematic review framework to characterize the human and animal evidence on the association between puberty-related health outcomes and exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents. RESULTS Ninety-eight human and 299 animal studies that evaluated a total of 96 different chemicals were identified and mapped by key concepts including chemical class, data stream, and puberty-related health outcome. Among these studies, phthalates and phenols were the most well-studied chemical classes. Most of the phthalate and phenol studies examined secondary sex characteristics and changes in estradiol and testosterone levels. Studies evaluating PCP use and other chemical classes (e.g., parabens) had less data. CONCLUSIONS This systematic evidence map identified and mapped the published research evaluating the association between exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents and puberty-related health outcomes. The resulting interactive visualization allows researchers to make evidence-based decisions on the available research by enabling them to search, sort, and filter the literature base of puberty-related studies by key concepts. This map can be used by researchers and regulators to prioritize and target future research and funding to reduce uncertainties and address data gaps. It also provides information to inform a class-based hazard or risk assessment on the association between phthalate and phenol exposures and puberty-related health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla W Taylor
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Kembra L Howdeshell
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paige A Bommarito
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Donna D Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Symielle A Gaston
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia V Rider
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vickie R Walker
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew A Rooney
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Llanos AAM, Rockson A, Getz K, Greenberg P, Portillo E, McDonald JA, Teteh DK, Villasenor J, Lozada C, Franklin J, More V, Rivera-Núñez Z, Kinkade CW, Barrett ES. Assessment of personal care product use and perceptions of use in a sample of US adults affiliated with a university in the Northeast. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116719. [PMID: 37481059 PMCID: PMC10592243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Evidence supports unequal burdens of chemical exposures from personal care products (PCPs) among some groups, namely femme-identifying and racial and ethnic minorities. In this study, we implemented an online questionnaire to assess PCP purchasing and usage behaviors and perceptions of use among a sample of US adults recruited at a Northeastern university. We collected PCP use across seven product categories (hair, beauty, skincare, perfumes/colognes, feminine hygiene, oral care, other), and behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions of use and safety across sociodemographic factors to evaluate relationships between sociodemographic factors and the total number of products used within the prior 24-48 h using multivariable models. We also summarized participants' perceptions and attitudes. Among 591 adults (20.0% Asian American/Pacific Islander [AAPI], 5.9% Hispanic, 9.6% non-Hispanic Black [NHB], 54.6% non-Hispanic White [NHW], and 9.9% multiracial or other), the average number of PCPs used within the prior 24-48 h was 15.6 ± 7.7. PCP use was greater among females than males (19.0 vs. 7.9, P < 0.01) and varied by race and ethnicity among females. Relative to NHWs, AAPI females used fewer hair products (2.5 vs. 3.1) and more feminine hygiene products (1.5 vs. 1.1), NHB females used more hair products (3.8 vs. 3.1), perfumes (1.0 vs. 0.6), oral care (2.3 vs. 1.9), and feminine hygiene products (1.8 vs. 1.1), and multiracial or other females used more oral care (2.2 vs. 1.9) and feminine hygiene products (1.5 vs. 1.1) (P-values <0.05). Generally, study participants reported moderate concern about exposures and health effects from using PCPs, with few differences by gender, race, and ethnicity. These findings add to the extant literature on PCP use across sociodemographic characteristics. Improving the understanding of patterns of use for specific products and their chemical ingredients is critical for developing interventions to reduce these exposures, especially in vulnerable groups with an unequal burden of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adana A M Llanos
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Amber Rockson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kylie Getz
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia Greenberg
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Eva Portillo
- Biostatistics Epidemiology Summer Training (BEST) Diversity Program, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jasmine A McDonald
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dede K Teteh
- Department of Health Sciences, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Justin Villasenor
- Biostatistics Epidemiology Summer Training (BEST) Diversity Program, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolina Lozada
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jamirra Franklin
- Environmental and Health Sciences Department, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vaishnavi More
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Chan M, Parikh S, Shyr D, Shamasunder B, Adamkiewicz G, James-Todd T. Evaluating Neighborhood-Level Differences in Hair Product Safety by Environmental Working Group Ratings among Retailers in Boston, Massachusetts. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:97002. [PMID: 37702490 PMCID: PMC10498863 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products are a notable source of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Racial/ethnic differences in the use of hair products containing EDCs are reported, with women and children of color more commonly using hair products that are hormonally active and contain EDCs than other racial/ethnic groups. There is limited research examining the neighborhood-level social and economic factors that may contribute to these reported disparities. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the safety of hair products across sociodemographically diverse neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts. METHODS Eight neighborhoods were identified based on indicators of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). We randomly selected 50 stores and collected data on the hair products for sale and their corresponding Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep hazard score. The association between neighborhood and EWG hazard category (low, moderate, high) was examined using a multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 14,019 hair products were identified in the eight neighborhoods. When considering products with EWG hazard scores, Roxbury, a lower income community of color, and Mission Hill, a lower income community, were reported to have a higher percentage of high-hazard hair products in comparison with Beacon Hill [12.2% (163/1,332), 11.4% (65/571) vs. 7.9% (30/382), respectively]. Differences between the safety of hair products were observed, with Roxbury and Mission Hill reporting more than a 2-fold higher risk ratio (RR) of finding hair products with high vs. low EWG scores in comparison with that of Beacon Hill [RR for Roxbury: 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 4.6; RR for Mission Hill: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 5.4]. Other neighborhoods were also observed to have an increased RR in comparison with Beacon Hill, however, with 95% CIs that extended beyond the null. DISCUSSION Retail stores in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of residents of color and lower SES were found to be more likely to sell products with high hazard scores than stores in a higher SES and predominately non-Hispanic White neighborhood. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10653.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Chan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shivani Parikh
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Department of Urban and Environmental Policy, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Wise LA, Wang TR, Ncube CN, Lovett SM, Abrams J, Boynton-Jarrett R, Koenig MR, Geller RJ, Wesselink AK, Coleman CM, Hatch EE, James-Todd T. Use of Chemical Hair Straighteners and Fecundability in a North American Preconception Cohort. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1066-1080. [PMID: 37005071 PMCID: PMC10505421 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical hair straighteners ("relaxers") are used by millions of North Americans, particularly women of color. Hair relaxers may contain endocrine-disrupting compounds, which can harm fertility. We evaluated the association between hair relaxer use and fecundability among 11,274 participants from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a North American preconception cohort study. During 2014-2022, participants completed a baseline questionnaire in which they reported their history of relaxer use and completed follow-up questionnaires every 8 weeks for 12 months or until pregnancy, whichever came first. We used multivariable-adjusted proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Relative to never use, fecundability was lower among current (FR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.64, 1.03) and former (FR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98) users of hair relaxers. FRs for first use of hair relaxers at ages <10, 10-19, and ≥20 years were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.96), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.83, 1.04), and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.98), respectively. Fecundability was lowest among those with longer durations of use (≥10 years vs. never: FR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.91) and more frequent use (≥5 times/year vs. never: FR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.60, 1.11), but associations were nonmonotonic. In this preconception cohort study, use of chemical hair straighteners was associated with slightly reduced fecundability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wise
- Correspondence to Dr. Lauren A. Wise, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118 (e-mail: )
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12
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Katon JG, Plowden TC, Marsh EE. Racial disparities in uterine fibroids and endometriosis: a systematic review and application of social, structural, and political context. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:355-363. [PMID: 36682686 PMCID: PMC9992263 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are 2 of the leading causes of morbidity among reproductive-aged women. There are significant racial disparities in disease prevalence, incidence, age of onset, and treatment profile in fibroids. The data on endometriosis are less clear. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of racial disparities in prevalence of uterine fibroids and endometriosis in the United States and summarize the literature on these 2 highly prevalent benign gynecologic conditions using a framework that explicitly incorporates and acknowledges the social, structural, and political contexts as a root cause of racial disparities between Black and White women. EVIDENCE REVIEW A systematic review regarding racial disparities in prevalence of fibroids and endometriosis was conducted separately. Two separate searches were conducted in PubMed to identify relevant original research manuscripts and prior systematic reviews regarding racial disparities in uterine fibroids and endometriosis using standardized search terms. In addition, we conducted a structured literature search to provide social, structural, and political context of the disparities. FINDINGS A systematic review of the literature indicated that the prevalence of uterine fibroids was consistently higher in Black than in White women with the magnitude of the difference varying depending on population and case definition. Prevalence of endometriosis varied considerably depending on the base population and case definition, but was the same or lower among Black vs. White women. As a result of the social, structural, and political context in the United States, Black women disproportionately experience a range of exposures across the life course that may contribute to their increased uterine fibroid incidence, prevalence, and severity of uterine fibroids. However, data suggest no racial difference in the incidence of endometriosis. Nevertheless, Black women with fibroids or endometriosis experience worse clinical and surgical outcomes than their White counterparts. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Racial disparities in uterine fibroids and endometriosis can be linked with differential exposures to suspected etiologic agents, lack of adequate access to health care, including highly skilled gynecologic surgeons, and bias and discrimination within the health care system. Eliminating these racial disparities will require solutions that address root causes of health disparities through policy, education and programs to ensure that all patients receive culturally- and structurally-competent care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie G Katon
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Torie C Plowden
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Erica E Marsh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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13
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Collins HN, Johnson PI, Calderon NM, Clark PY, Gillis AD, Le AM, Nguyen D, Nguyen C, Fu L, O'Dwyer T, Harley KG. Differences in personal care product use by race/ethnicity among women in California: implications for chemical exposures. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:292-300. [PMID: 34952926 PMCID: PMC10005944 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products may contain many chemicals, some of which are suspected endocrine disrupters. This is an important source of chemical exposure for women, but little is known about how chemical exposure differs among different races/ethnicities. OBJECTIVE This study examines differences in personal care product use among Black, Latina, Vietnamese, Mixed Race, and White women in California. METHODS We used a community-based participatory process to create and administer a personal care product usage survey to 321 Black, Latina, Vietnamese, Mixed Race, and White women. We used multivariate regression models with pairwise comparisons to examine the frequency of product use by race/ethnicity. RESULTS We found distinct trends of personal care product use by race/ethnicity: Latina women typically used makeup most frequently; Black women used certain hair products or styles most frequently; and Vietnamese women were most likely to use facial cleansing products compared to other races/ethnicities. Latina and Vietnamese women were less likely to try to avoid certain ingredients in their products. SIGNIFICANCE These findings can help estimate disparities in chemical exposure from personal care product use and complement future research on health inequities due to chemical exposures in the larger environmental and social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N Collins
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Paula I Johnson
- California Safe Cosmetics Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amy M Le
- California Safe Cosmetics Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Dung Nguyen
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Nguyen
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Fu
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany O'Dwyer
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kim G Harley
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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14
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Pollack AZ, Marroquin JM. Invited Perspective: Metals and Menarche. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:21301. [PMID: 36729393 PMCID: PMC9894152 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z. Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Joanna M. Marroquin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
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15
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Dalton KR, Louis LM, Fandiño-Del-Rio M, Rule AM, Pool W, Randolph K, Thomas S, Davis MF, Quirós-Alcalá L. Microbiome alterations from volatile organic compounds (VOC) exposures among workers in salons primarily serving women of color. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114125. [PMID: 35987373 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Salon workers, especially those serving an ethnically and racially diverse clientele (i.e., Black/Latina), may experience disparately high levels of workplace exposures to respiratory irritants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Salon workers are also reported to have a greater risk of developing respiratory conditions compared to the general population. Emerging evidence suggests that occupational chemical exposures may alter the human microbiome and that these alterations may be an important mechanism by which workplace VOC exposures adversely impact respiratory health. This preliminary research investigated the potential effects of 28 VOC urinary biomarkers on the 16S rRNA nasal microbiome in 40 workers from salons primarily serving women of color (Black and Dominican salons) compared to office workers. Our exploratory analysis revealed significant differences in microbial composition by worker group; namely dissimilar levels of Staphylococcus species (S. epidermidis and S. aureus, specifically) in salon workers compared to office workers, and higher alpha diversity levels in workers in Dominican salons compared to workers in Black salons. Within-sample alpha diversity levels tended to be decreased with higher VOC urinary biomarker concentrations, significantly for carbon disulfide, acrolein, acrylonitrile, crotonaldehyde, and vinyl chloride biomarkers. Our research highlights that occupational exposures, particularly to chemicals like VOCs, can impact the respiratory microbiome in the vulnerable salon worker group. Further understanding of the potential effects of chemical mixtures on microbial composition may provide key insights to respiratory health and other adverse health outcomes, as well as direct prevention efforts in this largely historically understudied occupational population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Dalton
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lydia M Louis
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Magdalena Fandiño-Del-Rio
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen Thomas
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Meghan F Davis
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Chang CJ, O’Brien KM, Keil AP, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Sandler DP, White AJ. Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1636-1645. [PMID: 36245087 PMCID: PMC9949582 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair products may contain hazardous chemicals with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties. Previous studies have found hair product use to be associated with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers including breast and ovarian cancer; however, to our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the relationship with uterine cancer. METHODS We examined associations between hair product use and incident uterine cancer among 33 947 Sister Study participants aged 35-74 years who had a uterus at enrollment (2003-2009). In baseline questionnaires, participants in this large, racially and ethnically diverse prospective cohort self-reported their use of hair products in the prior 12 months, including hair dyes; straighteners, relaxers, or pressing products; and permanents or body waves. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify associations between hair product use and uterine cancer using Cox proportional hazard models. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS Over an average of 10.9 years of follow-up, 378 uterine cancer cases were identified. Ever vs never use of straightening products in the previous 12 months was associated with higher incident uterine cancer rates (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.12 to 2.88). The association was stronger when comparing frequent use (>4 times in the past 12 months) vs never use (HR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.46 to 4.45; Ptrend = .002). Use of other hair products, including dyes and permanents or body waves, was not associated with incident uterine cancer. CONCLUSION These findings are the first epidemiologic evidence of association between use of straightening products and uterine cancer. More research is warranted to replicate our findings in other settings and to identify specific chemicals driving this observed association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Katie M O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Symielle A Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA,Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra J White
- Correspondence to: Alexandra J. White, PhD, MSPH, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233 USA (e-mail: )
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17
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Examination of hair experiences among girls with Black/African American identities. Body Image 2022; 42:75-83. [PMID: 35660946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Negative hair experiences can impact psychological well-being and are an integral part of development through childhood, adolescence, and beyond. The current study utilized a mixed-methods approach to capture the lived experiences of girls relating to their hair. Participants were 105 girls between the ages of 10-15 years old recruited via social media, email, and social organizations with Black/African American, or biracial communities. Satisfaction with natural hair, perceived bullying and teasing relating to hair, social comparisons, and pressure from family and friends were assessed. Approximately, 22% of 10-year olds, 14% of 11-year olds, 54% of 12-year olds, 35% of 13-year olds, and 32% of 14-year olds reported experiencing hair related teasing. Engaging in hair comparison with models/celebrities in the media and peers was significantly associated with less hair satisfaction. Similarly, girls that reported greater frequency of hair-related teasing also had significantly lower scores on hair satisfaction. Finally, having friends who like one's natural hair was significantly associated with higher hair satisfaction scores. Black/African American girls and their experiences around hair have been largely neglected in psychology and body image research, and more research on this topic is required to gain a better understanding of the role it plays in developing young girls.
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18
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Crobeddu B, Jutras-Carignan A, Kolasa É, Mounier C, Robaire B, Plante I. Gestational and lactational exposure to the emergent alternative plasticizer 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) impairs lipid metabolism to a greater extent than the commonly used Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the adult rat mammary gland. Toxicol Sci 2022; 189:268-286. [PMID: 35861430 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their endocrine disruption properties, phthalate plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can affect the hormone-dependent development of the mammary gland. Over the past few years, DEHP has been partially replaced by 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) which also have potential endocrine disrupting properties. The goal of the present study is to understand the impact of a gestational and lactational exposure to DEHP and DINCH on mammary gland development using Sprague-Dawley rats. Both plasticizers altered the adipocytes of the mammary gland fat pad of adult progeny, as demonstrated by a decrease in their size, folding of their membrane and modulations of the lipid profiles. DEHP treatments decreased the expression of Rxrα and Scd1 at the low and high dose, respectively, but did not affect any of the other genes studied. DINCH modulation of lipid metabolism could be observed at puberty by a decreased expression of genes implicated in triglyceride synthesis, lipid transport and lipolysis, but by an increased expression of genes of the β-oxidation pathway and of genes involved in lipid storage and fatty acid synthesis at adulthood, compared to control and DEHP-treated rats. A strong upregulation of different inflammatory markers was observed following DINCH exposure only. Together, our results indicate that a gestational and lactational exposure to DINCH has earlier and more significant effects on lipid homeostasis, adipogenesis and the inflammatory state of the adult mammary gland than DEHP exposure. The long-term consequence of these effects on mammary gland health remained to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bélinda Crobeddu
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Antoine Jutras-Carignan
- Laboratoire du métabolisme des lipides, CERMO-FC, Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Élise Kolasa
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Catherine Mounier
- Laboratoire du métabolisme des lipides, CERMO-FC, Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Isabelle Plante
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
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Schildroth S, Wise LA, Wesselink AK, Bethea TN, Fruh V, Taylor KW, Calafat AM, Baird DD, Claus Henn B. Correlates of non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemical mixtures among reproductive-aged Black women in Detroit, Michigan. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134447. [PMID: 35358566 PMCID: PMC9215202 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some studies indicate that Black women have higher exposure to multiple non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) than white women, but little is known about correlates of exposure to EDC mixtures. Using baseline data from a prospective cohort study of reproductive-aged Black women (N = 751), we characterized profiles of EDC mixtures and identified correlates of exposure. At baseline, we quantified biomarkers of 16 phthalates, 7 phenols, 4 parabens, and triclocarban in urine and collected covariate data through self-administered questionnaires and interviews. We used principal component (PC) analysis and k-means clustering to describe EDC mixture profiles. Associations between correlates and PCs were estimated as the mean difference (β) in PC scores, while associations between correlates and cluster membership were estimated as the odds ratio (OR) of cluster membership. Personal care product use was consistently associated with profiles of higher biomarker concentrations of non-persistent EDCs. Use of nail polish, menstrual and vaginal products (e.g., vaginal powder, vaginal deodorant), and sunscreen was associated with a mixture of phthalate and some phenol biomarkers using both methods. Current vaginal ring use, a form of hormonal contraception placed inside the vagina, was strongly associated with higher concentrations of high molecular weight phthalate biomarkers (k-means clustering: OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.28, 4.59; PCA: β = -0.32, 95% CI = -0.71, 0.07). Several dietary, reproductive, and demographic correlates were also associated with mixtures of EDC biomarkers. These findings suggest that personal care product use, diet, and contraceptive use may be sources of exposure to multiple non-persistent EDCs among reproductive-aged Black women. Targeted interventions to reduce exposure to multiple EDCs among Black women are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyla W Taylor
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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The Importance of Addressing Early-Life Environmental Exposures in Cancer Epidemiology. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:49-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Hairstyling trends among Black women fluctuate with social, cultural, and environmental pressures. Dermatologists should be aware of current trends and their associated risks in order to provide the best care to this population. In order to summarize the updated trends and associated health risks for the most common hairstyles worn by Black women, a literature review was performed. PubMed and EMBASE were used to identify articles related to hair styling practices, studies on the effects or risks of various styling practices, and magazine articles citing current styling trends among women of African descent. All hairstyles were found to have associated health risks; however, natural styles had the fewest adverse associations of all styles reviewed. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is the most cited hair disorder in this population, possibly linked to both chemical relaxants and traction styles. Additional studies are needed to further establish causality between these styles and CCCA. Additionally, while acceptance of natural hairstyles is on the rise, there is more work to be done throughout society to help protect and encourage women who choose to wear Afrocentric styles. Dermatologists should be well versed in these hairstyles and ready to lend appropriate advice to patients when it is requested.
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22
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Louis LM, Kavi LK, Boyle M, Pool W, Bhandari D, De Jesús VR, Thomas S, Pollack AZ, Sun A, McLean S, Rule AM, Quirós-Alcalá L. Biomonitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among hairdressers in salons primarily serving women of color: A pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106655. [PMID: 34090205 PMCID: PMC8221536 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hairdressers are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which have been linked to acute and chronic health effects. Those hairdressers serving an ethnic clientele may potentially experience disproportionate exposures from frequent use of products containing VOCs or different VOC concentrations contained in products which are marketed to the specific needs of their clientele. However, no biomonitoring studies have investigated occupational exposures in this population. In the present pilot study, we sought to characterize concentrations and exposure determinants for 28 VOC biomarkers in post-shift urine samples among 23 hairdressers primarily serving an ethnic clientele. VOC biomarker concentrations among hairdressers of color were compared to concentrations among a comparison group of 17 office workers and a representative sample of women participating in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. VOC biomarkers were detected in all hairdressers with higher concentrations observed among hairdressers serving a predominantly Black versus Latino clientele, and among hairdressers overall versus office workers and women in the U.S. general population. Median biomarker concentrations for acrolein,1,3-butadiene, and xylene in hairdressers were more than twice as high as those observed among office workers. Median concentrations for 1-bromopropane, acrolein and 1,3-butadiene were more than four times higher among all hairdressers compared to those reported among women in the U.S. general population. Select salon services (e.g., sister locs, flat ironing, permanent hair coloring, permanent waves or texturizing, Brazilian blowout or keratin treatment, etc.) were also associated with higher VOC biomarker concentrations among hairdressers. This pilot study represents the first biomonitoring analysis to characterize VOC exposures among women hairdressers of color and to provide evidence that this occupational population may experience elevated VOC exposures compared to women in the U.S. general population. Results from our study represent an important first step in elucidating occupational VOC exposures in this understudied occupational group. Larger studies among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of hairdressers are warranted to confirm our findings and inform future exposure interventions in this understudied occupational population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M Louis
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lucy K Kavi
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Meleah Boyle
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Deepak Bhandari
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Víctor R De Jesús
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen Thomas
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Anna Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Angela Sun
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Seyrona McLean
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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23
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Preston EV, Chan M, Nozhenko K, Bellavia A, Grenon MC, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, James-Todd T. Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differences in use of endocrine-disrupting chemical-associated personal care product categories among pregnant women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111212. [PMID: 33957140 PMCID: PMC8886956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) are important and modifiable sources of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Research is limited on how EDC-associated PCP use differs by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES), particularly during the sensitive period of pregnancy. We investigated differences in PCP use by race/ethnicity and SES among 497 participants in the LIFECODES pregnancy cohort (Boston, Massachusetts). Participants self-reported race/ethnicity, SES indicators (maternal education; insurance status), and recent PCP use via questionnaire at ≤4 prenatal visits. We evaluated trimester-specific differences in use of individual PCP categories by race/ethnicity and SES indicators. We used Poisson regression to estimate trimester-specific mean total product categories used by race/ethnicity and SES indicators. In the first trimester, compared to non-Hispanic White women, Hispanic women reported higher use of hair gel (45% vs. 28%), perfume (75% vs. 39%), and "other" hair products (37% vs. 19%). Compared to women with a college degree, women without a college degree reported higher use of perfume (79% vs. 41%) and bar soap (74% vs. 56%); patterns were similar for insurance status. The estimated mean total product categories used was significantly lower in Asian compared to non-Hispanic White women in all trimesters (e.g., Trimester 1: 4.8 vs. 6.7 categories; p<0.001). Patterns of PCP use differed by race/ethnicity and SES, with implications for potentially modifiable differential EDC exposure and associated pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Preston
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marissa Chan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Katerina Nozhenko
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marissa C Grenon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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24
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Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy and Prenatal Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Commonly Used in Personal Care Products. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 8:98-112. [PMID: 34046860 PMCID: PMC8208930 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-021-00317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure during pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal and child health outcomes that are racially/ethnically disparate. Personal care products (PCP) are one source of EDCs where differences in racial/ethnic patterns of use exist. We assessed the literature for racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy and prenatal PCP chemical exposures. Recent Findings Only 3 studies explicitly examined racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy and prenatal exposure to PCP-associated EDCs. Fifty-three articles from 12 cohorts presented EDC concentrations stratified by race/ethnicity or among homogenous US minority populations. Studies reported on phthalates and phenols. Higher phthalate metabolites and paraben concentrations were observed for pregnant non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women. Higher concentrations of benzophenone-3 were observed in non-Hispanic White women; results were inconsistent for triclosan. Summary This review highlights need for future research examining pregnancy and prenatal PCP-associated EDCs disparities to understand and reduce racial/ethnic disparities in maternal and child health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40572-021-00317-5.
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25
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Raley E, Quirós-Alcalá L, Matsui EC. Chemical Exposures via Personal Care Products and the Disproportionate Asthma Burden Among the U.S. Black Population. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:3290-3292. [PMID: 33975033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
An evolving body of literature links chemicals commonly found in personal care products (PCPs) to an increased risk of both developing asthma and worsening existing asthma. Phthalates, parabens, environmental phenols, such as triclosan and bisphenol A, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds have been implicated in asthma and related allergic conditions in epidemiological studies. Because Black individuals have increased exposure to these chemicals through hair care products and feminine hygiene products, disproportionate exposure to these chemicals through PCPs could contribute, in part, to the disproportionate asthma prevalence and morbidity among the U.S. Black population. Increased exposure to these chemicals among Black individuals is explained, in part, by more frequent use of hair care products that can contain higher concentrations of these chemicals and greater use of feminine hygiene products, which are also sources of exposure to these chemicals. Epidemiological evidence using urinary biomarkers of exposure demonstrates associations between PCPs and exposure to these chemicals and that the U.S. Black population has greater exposure to these chemicals than the non-Black population. Should chemical exposures through PCPs contribute to the excess burden of asthma among the U.S. Black population, reducing these exposures would reduce this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Raley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Departments of Population Health and Pediatrics, Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
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26
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Wesselink AK, Fruh V, Hauser R, Weuve J, Taylor KW, Orta OR, Claus Henn B, Bethea TN, McClean MD, Williams PL, Calafat AM, Baird DD, Wise LA. Correlates of urinary concentrations of phthalate and phthalate alternative metabolites among reproductive-aged Black women from Detroit, Michigan. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:461-475. [PMID: 32980856 PMCID: PMC7994206 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-00270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are widely present in consumer products. In the United States, Black women are more highly exposed to phthalates than other racial/ethnic groups, yet information on predictors of phthalate exposure among Black women is limited. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the association of demographics, lifestyle, reproductive history, and personal care product use with urinary concentrations of phthalate and phthalate alternative metabolites, using cross-sectional data from a study of 754 Black women from Detroit, Michigan (2010-2012). METHODS Women completed questionnaires and provided urine specimens which were analyzed for 16 phthalate and phthalate alternative metabolites. We used linear regression models to estimate mean percentage differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in concentrations across levels of correlates. RESULTS Monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and MBP concentrations were positively associated with personal care product use, particularly nail products. Educational attainment was positively associated with high molecular weight phthalate concentrations but inversely associated with monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations. Parity was positively associated with MBzP concentrations and inversely associated with concentrations of MEP and high molecular weight phthalates. SIGNIFICANCE We found that sociodemographics, reproductive characteristics, and use of certain personal care products were associated with urinary phthalate concentrations among Black women. Our results emphasize the importance of examining exposure determinants among multiply marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyla W Taylor
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Olivia R Orta
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael D McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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James-Todd T, Connolly L, Preston EV, Quinn MR, Plotan M, Xie Y, Gandi B, Mahalingaiah S. Hormonal activity in commonly used Black hair care products: evaluating hormone disruption as a plausible contribution to health disparities. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:476-486. [PMID: 33958708 PMCID: PMC8812815 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain types of hair products are more commonly used by Black women. Studies show hair products contain several endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are associated with adverse health outcomes. As chemical mixtures of endocrine disruptors, hair products may be hormonally active, but this remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To assess the hormonal activity of commonly used Black hair products. METHODS We identified six commonly used hair products (used by >10% of the population) from the Greater New York Hair Products Study. We used reporter gene assays (RGAs) incorporating natural steroid receptors to evaluate estrogenic, androgenic, progestogenic, and glucocorticoid hormonal bioactivity employing an extraction method using bond elution prior to RGA assessment at dilutions from 50 to 500. RESULTS All products displayed hormonal activity, varying in the amount and effect. Three samples showed estrogen agonist properties at levels from 12.5 to 20 ng/g estradiol equivalent concentrations All but one sample showed androgen antagonist properties at levels from 20 to 25 ng/g androgen equivalent concentrations. Four samples showed antagonistic and agonistic properties to progesterone and glucocorticoid. SIGNIFICANCE Hair products commonly used by Black women showed hormonal activity. Given their frequent use, exposure to hormonally active products could have implications for health outcomes and contribute to reproductive and metabolic health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lisa Connolly
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Emma V Preston
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marlee R Quinn
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monika Plotan
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Yuling Xie
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Bharathi Gandi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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White AJ, Gregoire AM, Taylor KW, Eberle C, Gaston S, O’Brien KM, Jackson CL, Sandler DP. Adolescent use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms in relation to breast cancer risk. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:2255-2263. [PMID: 33252833 PMCID: PMC7969396 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hair products can contain hormonally active and carcinogenic compounds. Adolescence may be a period of enhanced susceptibility of the breast tissue to exposure to chemicals. We therefore evaluated associations between adolescent hair product use and breast cancer risk. Sister Study participants (ages 35-74 years) who had completed enrollment questionnaires (2003-2009) on use of hair dyes, straighteners/relaxers and perms at ages 10 to 13 years (N = 47 522) were included. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations between hair products and incident breast cancer (invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ), with consideration of heterogeneity by menopausal status and race/ethnicity. Over an average of 10 years of follow-up, 3380 cases were diagnosed. Frequent use of straighteners and perms was associated with a higher risk of premenopausal (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.26-3.55 and HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.96-2.53, respectively) but not postmenopausal breast cancer (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.76-1.30 and HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.89-1.35, respectively). Permanent hair dye use during adolescence was uncommon (<3%) and not associated with breast cancer overall (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.78-1.20), though any permanent dye use was associated with a higher risk among black women (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.01-3.11). Although frequency of use of perms (37% non-Hispanic white vs 9% black) and straighteners (3% non-Hispanic white vs 75% black) varied by race/ethnicity, associations with breast cancer did not. Use of hair products, specifically perms and straighteners, during adolescence may be associated with a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J. White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Allyson M. Gregoire
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Kyla W. Taylor
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Carolyn Eberle
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Symielle Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
- Intramural Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
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29
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Wang VA, Chu MT, Chie L, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Newendorp N, Uretsky E, Dodson RE, Adamkiewicz G, James-Todd T. Acculturation and endocrine disrupting chemical-associated personal care product use among US-based foreign-born Chinese women of reproductive age. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:224-232. [PMID: 33235331 PMCID: PMC7954893 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care products (PCPs) are an important source of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes. OBJECTIVE We evaluated EDC-associated PCP use and acculturation among Asian women. METHODS Our study included 227 foreign-born Chinese women ages 18-45 seeking obstetrics-gynecology care at community health centers (Boston, MA). Acculturation was measured by English-language use, length of US residence, and age at US entry. Self-reported use of PCPs (crème rinse/conditioner, shampoo, perfume/cologne, bar soap/body wash, liquid hand soap, moisturizer/lotion, colored cosmetics, sunscreen, and nail polish) in the last 48 h was collected. Latent class analysis was used to identify usage patterns. We also conducted multivariable logistic to determine the cross-sectional associations of acculturation measures and the use of individual PCP types. RESULTS Those who used more PCP types, overall and by each type, tended to be more acculturated. Women who could speak English had 2.77 (95% CI: 1.10-7.76) times the odds of being high PCP users compared to their non-English speaking counterparts. English-language use was associated with higher odds of using perfume/cologne and nail polish. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings give insight about EDC-associated PCP use based on acculturation status, which can contribute to changes in immigrant health and health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica A Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - MyDzung T Chu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lucy Chie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Symielle A Gaston
- Department of Health and Human Services, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Department of Health and Human Services, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- Department of Health and Human Services, Intramural Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicole Newendorp
- Committee on Degrees in Social Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Elanah Uretsky
- Department of Anthropology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | | | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Khalid M, Abdollahi M. Environmental Distribution of Personal Care Products and Their Effects on Human Health. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:216-253. [PMID: 34400954 PMCID: PMC8170769 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2021.114891.15088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) are generally used for personal hygiene, cleaning, grooming, and beautification. These include hair and skin care products, baby care products, UV blocking creams, facial cleansers, insect repellents, perfumes, fragrances, soap, detergents, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, etc., thus exposing humans easily. Personal preferences related to PCPs usage frequency are highly variable and depend on socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. The increasing availability and diversity of PCPs from the retailer outlets consequently result in higher loading of PCPs into wastewater systems and, therefore, the environment. These compounds persistently and continuously release biologically active and inactive ingredients in the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and demonstrating adverse effects on human, wild, and marine life. Advanced techniques such as granular activated carbon filtration and algae-based system may help biotransformation and remove PCP contaminants from water with improved efficiency. Additionally, harmony among PCPs related regulations of different countries may encourage standard checks to control their manufacturing, sale, and distribution across the borders to ensure consumers' safety. Furthermore, all intended ingredients, their concentrations, and instructions for frequency of use as per age groups may be clearly labeled on packages of PCPs. In conclusion, the emerging environmental contaminants of PCPs and their association with the growing risks of negative effects on human health and globally on the environment emphasize the chemical-free simple lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Khalid
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hair Maintenance and Chemical Hair Product Usage as Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood among African American Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249254. [PMID: 33322020 PMCID: PMC7762987 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Qualitative studies have identified haircare practices as important culturally specific barriers to physical activity (PA) among Black/African American (AA) women, but quantitative investigations are lacking. Using the Study of Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids data among 1558 Black/AA women, we investigated associations between hair product usage/hair maintenance behaviors and PA during childhood and adulthood. Participants reported childhood and current chemical relaxer and leave-in conditioner use. Self-reported PA included childhood recreational sports participation, leisure-time PA engagement during adulthood, and, at each life stage, minutes of and intensity of PA. Adjusting for socioeconomic and health characteristics, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PA measure for more vs. less frequent hair product use/hair maintenance. Thirty-four percent reported ≥twice/year chemical relaxer use and 22% reported ≥once/week leave-in conditioner use at age 10 years, and neither were associated with PA at age 10 years. In adulthood, ≥twice/year chemical relaxer users (30%) were less likely (PR = 0.90 [95% CI: 0.79-1.02]) and ≥once/week leave-in conditioner users (24%) were more likely (PR = 1.09 [95% CI: 0.99-1.20]) to report intense PA compared to counterparts reporting rarely/never use. Hair product use/maintenance may influence PA among Black/AA women and impact cardiometabolic health disparities.
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