Toxic Phthalates Commonly Found in Baby Products

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Toxic Phthalates Commonly Found in Baby Powders, Lotions and Shampoos

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 by: Gutierrez

http://www.naturalnews.com/023904.html

(NaturalNews) Babies whose parents expose them to personal care products such as

powders, lotions and shampoos have higher body burdens of the toxic chemicals

known as phthalates, according to a study conducted by researchers from the

University of Washington and published in the journal Pediatrics.

Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to make plastics soft, and are also

included as ingredients in a variety of cosmetic products. They are known to

function as endocrine disruptors, mimicking hormones and leading to reproductive

or developmental disorders. Studies have linked phthalate exposure in infants,

especially males, to reduced testosterone and reproductive defects.

Researchers measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 163 infants

between the ages of 2 and 28 months. They asked mothers how long their babies

had spent playing with teething rings, pacifiers and other soft plastic products

in the last 24 hours, and whether they had used body care products such as

powders, creams, wipes, shampoos and lotions.

All the infants contained at least one variety of phthalate in their urine; 80

percent of them had seven or more. The urine of babies who had been exposed to

lotions, shampoos or powders had four times the phthalate levels of children who

had not been exposed to those products. Children under the age of eight months

and those who used lotions had the highest phthalate levels.

In contrast to prior studies, the current research did not find a relationship

between phthalate body burden and the use of plastic baby products or toys. It

is the first study to suggest that children can absorb phthalates through the

skin, and not just the mouth.

The researchers advised that parents avoid using infant skin care products

except for medical reasons, and that they make an effort to buy phthalate-free

products.

Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates as an ingredient in cosmetics,

but many baby toys and other products are now being advertised as

phthalate-free.