Researcher ORCID Identifier
Graduation Year
2025
Date of Submission
12-2024
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Award
Best Senior Thesis in Gender Studies
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Biology
Second Department
W.M. Keck Science Department
Reader 1
Anna Wenzel
Reader 2
Dionne Bensonsmith
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2024 Ella S Brissett
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. Despite being non-cancerous, they can severely affect quality of life by causing heavy bleeding, chronic pain, and reproductive complications. Fibroids are typically found in women of reproductive age, but they disproportionately affect Black women, who experience higher incidence and severity. The underlying causes of this disparity is poorly understood; however, an emerging body of research is highlighting the role of phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many personal care products, in exacerbating fibroid development. Through a critical analysis of the literature, this study investigates the link between phthalate exposure and uterine fibroid development, with a focus on sociocultural and environmental risk factors. Sociocultural inequities, such as discriminatory beauty norms and limited access to non-toxic personal care products, exacerbate disparities by exposing Black women to elevated phthalate concentrations. These risks intersect with chronic stressors including racism, economic disadvantage, and inadequate healthcare access, which disrupt hormonal balance and further elevate fibroid risk. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and comprehensive labeling in personal care products to reduce phthalate exposure. Addressing disparities in uterine fibroid incidence requires a multifaceted approach focused on reducing harmful phthalate exposure, ensuring equitable access to safer personal care products, and raising awareness about social and environmental health risks. Given that personal care products are a part of nearly everyone’s daily life, this research on their impact on hormone-dependent conditions is crucial to protect not only at-risk populations but also overall public health.
Recommended Citation
Brissett, Ella, "Investigating the Impact of Phthalate Exposures from Personal Care Products on Uterine Fibroid Incidence and Prevalence In US-Born Black Women" (2025). CMC Senior Theses. 3868.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3868
Included in
Behavioral Medicine Commons, Bioethics and Medical Ethics Commons, Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Disorders of Environmental Origin Commons, Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Medical Physiology Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Physiological Processes Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Reproductive and Urinary Physiology Commons, Social Justice Commons, Women's Health Commons
