A groundbreaking study conducted by two scientists from Sharnbasva University has shown disturbing findings on how certain chemicals present in cosmetics and herbicides contribute to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and even cancer in some cases.

Researchers B.D. Vishwajit and Mahesh Tanwade, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology at Sharnbasva University, are in the final stages of their doctoral research. The study points out the risks of long-term exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday products. Researchers conducted the study in the university's Animal House, using mice and rats to examine the effects of these chemicals. Their experiments found alarming evidence of how exposure to harmful compounds leads to severe reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

What are the chemicals to watch out for?

Speaking to the media in Kalaburagi on Tuesday, the researchers identified two major culprits—Isobutyal Parabal, commonly found in some cosmetics, and Phenyl Mercuric Acetate, a chemical present in certain herbicides. Their two-generation study on rodents showed that these compounds disrupt the endocrine system, affecting sexual behavior and overall reproductive health.

Past research has already indicated that exposure to as little as 27 MG per KG per day of Isobutyal Parabal through dermal contact can trigger major hormonal imbalances in humans, leading to infertility and other complications.

Professor Vishwajit emphasized that the Animal House at Sharnbasva University, established in 2023, is the first of its kind in the Kalyana Karnataka region to receive approval from the Union government. The only other similar facility in the area is in the Pharmacology Department of Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College.

Apart from contributing to vital scientific research, the Animal House has also proven to be a revenue-generating asset for the university. In 2024 alone, it earned ₹1.20 lakh through the sale of research animals to other universities and educational institutions.

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