Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Intervention to Reduce Exposure to Environmental COntaminant (IRECO)

This study, called IRECO, is investigating how the personal care products we use daily, such as make-up, creams, and deodorants, might affect the levels of certain chemicals in our bodies. These chemicals, like phthalates, phenols, and glycol ethers, are found in many products and are sometimes linked to health concerns. The main goal is to see if changing the types of personal care products we use can help lower these chemical levels in our urine. We're also curious about understanding what makes it difficult for people to change their habits and how we can support those who want to reduce their exposure to these chemicals. This research could help us all make more informed choices and might even influence how these products are regulated in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

107

Start

26 Jun 2022

Estimated completion

25 Jun 2027

Exposure

What is this study about?

Many of the products we use every day on our skin and hair, like lotions, make-up, and hairsprays, contain various chemicals. Some of these, such as phthalates, phenols, and glycol ethers, have been found in people's bodies, and scientists are trying to understand if they have any health effects. Studies have suggested that using certain personal care products might be connected to higher levels of these chemicals in our bodies.

This study, called IRECO (which stands for "Intervention to Reduce Exposure to Environmental Contaminant"), wants to find out more. We're specifically looking at whether changing the personal care products you use can actually reduce the amount of these chemicals found in your urine. This research is important because it could help us understand how these common products affect us and provide practical advice for people who want to lower their exposure to these chemicals. It could also help those who make decisions about product safety.

While similar studies have been done in other countries, this is the first of its kind in France, where daily habits and product rules might be different. By taking part, you'll be helping us gather valuable information to better understand these chemicals and how we can best manage our exposure to them.

Key takeaways

This study explores if changing personal care products affects body chemical levels.
It focuses on chemicals like phthalates, phenols, and glycol ethers found in many daily items.
Participants will change product use for 5 days and provide urine samples.
The study aims to provide practical advice and inform product regulations.
It's the first study of its kind in France, focusing on local habits and rules.
Your involvement could help us all make healthier product choices.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are between 18 and 30 years old. To be considered, you should not be pregnant and must not have any known allergies to ingredients commonly found in personal care products. You also shouldn't have any skin conditions or other serious allergies.

To make sure we can follow you closely, you need to live in the Grenoble area of France and speak French fluently. You will also need to have medical insurance.

It's important that you're not currently taking part in any other studies that look at cosmetics, personal care products, diet, or anything that might affect your exposure to chemicals. Also, you should not work in a job where you regularly handle personal care products. You will also need access to a freezer at home to store urine samples for a short period.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman?
Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Do you live in the Grenoble area of France and speak French?
Do you have medical insurance?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Do you NOT have known allergies to personal care product ingredients or skin diseases?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be asked to change your personal care product habits for 5 days. This means you would either stop using certain products or switch to alternative products that we provide. During this time, you'll need to collect urine samples and store them in your freezer at home for about a week before they are collected by the research team. The study will also involve answering questions about your habits and your thoughts on chemical exposure. The overall duration of your active participation, especially the period of changing products, will be 5 days, but there will be initial setup and some follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could gain a better understanding of the chemicals present in personal care products and how your choices might affect your body. Your contribution will also help guide future advice on reducing exposure to these chemicals and may influence product regulations. Potential risks are very low, mainly involving the inconvenience of changing your product routine and collecting samples. We will ensure that any alternative products provided are generally safe, but please note that the study requires you not to have known allergies to common product ingredients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institut pour l'avancée des biosciences IAB (U1209)/hôpital couple enfant du CHU Grenoble-Alpes
Verified postcode
Grenoble, France

Common questions

What kind of personal care products are you talking about?

We're talking about everyday items like make-up, lotions, creams, deodorants, shampoos, and nail polish.

Will I have to stop using all my personal care products?

You will either be asked to stop using certain products or to switch to specific alternative products that we will provide for a 5-day period.

What are phthalates, phenols, and glycol ethers?

These are common types of chemicals found in many personal care products. Scientists are studying them to understand their potential effects on our health.

Why do I need a freezer for the urine samples?

Storing the samples in a freezer helps preserve them properly until they can be collected and analysed by the research team.

Will I find out my own chemical levels?

The study aims to understand general trends in chemical levels across the participant group, not individual results. However, the overall findings will be shared with the public.