This study by Parlett et al, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, found that women’s use of multiple personal care products each day exposes them to a number of chemicals, including phthalates. Their study showed strong positive associations between personal care products and urinary concentrations of certain phthalates.  After accounting for product use patterns, perfume emerged as the strongest, most significant predictor of exposure to monoethyl phthalate (MEP).

One study done in Austria found significant associations of MEP in urine with headache, repeated coughing, diarrhea, and hormonal problems.