05FEB08

A study published in the medical journal Pediatrics studying babies in Los Angeles and two other U.S. cities, found that as the use of baby care products rose, so did the concentration of phthalates. Babies exposed to lotion, shampoo and powder had more than four times the level of phthalates in their urine as those whose parents had not used the products. Previous research found that the substances altered the children’s hormones (reduced testosterone in a 2006 study of newborns in Denmark) and reproductive organs.

Phthalates are a class of widely used industrial compounds known technically as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. One of the uses of this chemical is in baby products and children's toys; soften plastics; an additive in hairspray and perfume; and are even responsible for that 'new car smell'. Phthalates have been used in children's toys for quite some time. And children of course mouth toys constantly, especially toys made for oral use, like pacifiers and teething toys. But this study raises serious concerns for this chemical as an ingredient in baby products such as shampoos and lotions.

Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones. They are hormone-altering chemicals and have been linked to endocrine and reproductive system problems. Babies who are cared for with phthalate-laced products and cosmetics show developmental problems, especially in reproductive development of male children.

In the study, babies exposed to baby lotion, shampoo and powder had more than four times the level of phthalates in their urine than babies whose parents had not used the products. The highest levels were reported in babies under 8 months old, and those exposed to lotions. More than half the mothers in the new study reported using baby shampoos on their infants within 24 hours of the urine tests, and about one-third had used lotion, and 14% used powder within the same time period. The highest concentrations in the babies were for a phthalate known as MEP, which comes from DEP, the compound used in fragrances. No link was found to baby wipes or to diaper creams.

The lead scientist in the study, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana of the University of Washington's Department of Pediatrics, said the findings suggested that many baby care products contain a variety of phthalates that enter children's bodies through their skin. This is the first study to report this type of exposure. Previous studies have focused on a different route of exposure for children: sucking on soft, vinyl toys.

Representatives of the fragrance and cosmetics industries said they were surprised by the findings and questioned their validity. They said only one phthalate compound is used in baby products. Manufacturers do not list phthalates as ingredients on labels, so it is unknown which products contain them. Apparently, this policy needs to be revised.

Europe has banned some phthalates in baby toys and cosmetics, but not the DEP (diethyl phthalate) found in fragrances. A recently passed California law will ban six types in children's toys and feeding products, beginning next year. But no federal or state law in the United States prohibits their use in personal care products or cosmetics.

In their report, the scientists advised parents who want to reduce their baby's exposure to stop using lotions and powders unless their doctors recommend them for medical reasons. They also suggested limiting use of shampoos and other products. Many adult lotions and other personal care products also contain phthalates.

The Chicago Tribune cited a rash of studies about parabens - a common class of chemicals found in skin-care products, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and other personal-care products. These preservatives are used to keep bacteria and other nasty things at bay while products sit on the shelves. Paraben is also found in human blood and urine, and has even been detected in breast tumors. Some forms of breast cancer have been linked to endocrine disruptors, though the specific culprit - or more likely conspiracy of culprits - has not been identified.

There are alternatives on the market that use natural alternatives. To find out if your products contain parabens, look for these product ingredients: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or benzylparaben.