Top medical experts in Nigeria have issued a strong warning about the potentially harmful effects of commonly used personal care products, including perfumes, deodorants, body sprays, and cosmetics. According to them, many of these products contain toxic substances capable of disrupting the human hormonal system, thereby increasing the risk of serious health issues such as cancer, infertility, and chronic metabolic diseases.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: The Invisible Threat in Fragrance Products

Experts in internal medicine and endocrinology explained that several of these widely available products contain chemical substances like parabens, phthalates, aluminium compounds, triclosan, and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

EDCs either mimic or block natural hormones in the body, disturbing hormonal balance and affecting various biological functions such as reproduction, metabolism, growth, and development. Over time, repeated exposure—even in small doses—can lead to long-term health complications.

Women at Greater Risk Due to Higher Cosmetic Use

Professor Andrew Uloko, a renowned endocrinologist and professor of medicine at Bayero University in Kano, emphasized that while these harmful chemicals pose a danger to both men and women, females are generally more exposed. He explained that due to higher usage of cosmetic and fragrance products, women are more likely to suffer from hormone-sensitive conditions.

“These harmful chemicals enter the body either by being absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs. Continuous exposure can severely disrupt hormonal functions, especially those regulating reproduction and metabolism,” said Prof. Uloko.

Health Risks Linked to Long-Term Use

Professor Uloko warned that consistent use of personal care products containing harmful ingredients could result in a wide array of serious health conditions. These include:

• Menstrual irregularities

• Infertility and reproductive issues

• Premature or delayed puberty

• Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Neurological and behavioral disorders

• Obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes

He further pointed out that in males, prolonged exposure could lead to a decrease in sperm count and quality, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and contribute to hormonal imbalances.

Immediate Side Effects Also Pose Problems

In addition to long-term risks, the professor also highlighted that short-term side effects may include:

• Skin reactions such as rashes, itching, and inflammation

• Respiratory problems, including sneezing, coughing, or even asthma attacks

• Allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin or lungs

“People with sensitive airways may find it difficult to tolerate strong fragrances and could experience choking sensations or acute allergic responses,” he added.

Health Damage from Prolonged Exposure May Be Irreversible

According to Uloko, some of the health consequences associated with prolonged use of these products may be permanent. He noted that once chronic diseases like cancer or diabetes develop as a result of exposure to endocrine disruptors, merely stopping the use of these products might not reverse the damage.

“In such situations, medical intervention becomes essential. Management of the condition, rather than prevention, becomes the only available option,” he stressed.

Regulatory Gaps Fuel the Problem in Nigeria

The professor also criticized the lax regulatory environment in Nigeria, which allows harmful cosmetic products to flood the market unchecked. He urged agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enforce stricter regulations on product content and labelling.

While he acknowledged past regulatory actions like the ban on hydroquinone-containing creams, Uloko said such efforts have not been sustained. “If Nigeria continues to be a dumping ground for unregulated beauty products, the nation could witness a rise in non-communicable diseases such as infertility, cancer, and hormonal disorders,” he warned.

Safer Alternatives and Dietary Support for Hormonal Health

Prof. Uloko recommended that individuals opt for safer, organic, or naturally derived personal care items. He advised people to choose fragrance-free, paraben-free, and aluminium-free products whenever possible. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of a healthy diet, suggesting that foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate can help the body fight hormonal damage.

Dermatologists Confirm Similar Concerns

Echoing these warnings, Professor Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, confirmed that many perfumes, deodorants, and beauty products are indeed linked to hormonal disruption. He pointed out that chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and bisphenol A interfere with the endocrine system and are associated with multiple health concerns.

“These are not harmless substances,” he explained. “They can cause menstrual cycle abnormalities, early onset of puberty, thyroid disorders, and even hormone-related cancers.”

Call for Stronger Labelling and Public Awareness

Professor Altraide urged consumers to read product labels carefully and avoid products containing the identified harmful chemicals. He recommended choosing items that are labelled “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free,” or “eco-certified.”

The dermatologist lamented the poor regulation of the Nigerian cosmetics industry, noting that while some global brands have taken steps to recall dangerous products, such practices are almost non-existent in Nigeria due to regulatory weaknesses.

Rising Health Burden Requires Urgent Action

Both experts concluded that the unmonitored use of chemical-laden beauty and personal care products poses a growing public health crisis. They emphasized the urgent need for:

• Stricter regulations from agencies like NAFDAC and SON

• Public education campaigns about product ingredients

• Encouragement of safer product choices

• Government-backed research into the link between cosmetic chemicals and chronic illnesses

“If we fail to act now, the country may see a significant increase in diseases that were once considered rare,” Professor Uloko warned.

Ultimately, they advised Nigerians to make informed choices and prioritize health over aesthetic appeal.