Do you use lotions, powders and baby shampoo on your baby? You may be slathering your baby with harmful chemicals.
A recent article in the Seattle Times reported that Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, UW physician and researcher at the University of Washington, conducted a study recently published in Pediatrics, Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure. Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and to bind fragrances and color to personal care products. Recent studies have associated phthalates with hormone disruption, particularly testosterone.
The study concludes that phthalate exposure is widespread and variable in infants. When infants were exposed to lotion, powder, and shampoo, their urine contained significant concentrations of 3 different kinds of phthalates. The more products used, the greater the concentration of phthalates in the urine. This association was strongest in young infants (under 8 months), who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area.
In the United States, there is no requirement that products be labeled as to their phthalate content. If parents want to decrease exposures, the study recommends limiting amount of infant care products used and not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason. According to the Seattle Times article the American Chemistry Council doesn’t agree with the study. Well, duh, of course they don’t, they sell the stuff!
Apparently the Washington State Legislature agrees. HB2647 ”Regarding the children’s safe products act” introduced by Representative Mary Lou Dickerson is currently in committee. The bill:
- Prohibits all persons from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, distributing for sale, or distributing for use a children’s product or product component that contains a certain concentration of lead, cadmium, or phthalates.
- Requires the Department of Ecology (DOE) to identify high priority chemicals and, of those, chemicals that are of high concern for children.
- Requires manufacturers to file an annual notice with the DOE regarding chemicals of high concern found in their children’s products and to notify retailers of recalls of their children’s products.
- Authorizes the Secretary of Health to establish and maintain an education campaign regarding chemicals of high concern for children.
Resources:
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Seattle Times article Worrisome chemical found in kids by Warren Cornwall
Related Post: Phthalates – The Poison Plastic
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