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Researchers recommend parents reduce
product use
The use of powder, lotions and shampoo on
infants markedly increased the levels of phthalates found in the babies’
urine, according to a new study by University of Washington researchers
published today in the journal Pediatrics.
In animal studies, phthalates cause
infertility, birth defects and other malformations of the male
reproductive tract. Several human studies also indicate that phthalates
may adversely affect male reproductive function at levels commonly found
in people. Young infants and fetuses are most vulnerable to the potential
adverse effects of phthalates.
According to the new study, lotions, powders
and shampoos “may contribute significantly to phthalate body
burden" in infants. “If parents want to decrease exposures, then we
recommend limiting the amount of infant care products used, and not to
apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason,” the
researchers wrote.
Previous studies show that a high majority of
fragranced personal care products contain phthalates. A 2002 study found
phthalates in more than 70 percent of products tested, including shampoo,
deodorant and perfume. The chemicals were not listed on labels. http://www.safecosmetics.org/docUploads/NotTooPretty_r51.pdf
The European Union bans some phthalates from
cosmetics and toys, and California banned the chemicals from baby toys –
but phthalates are legal to use in personal care products sold in the
United States, and there are no requirements to label products for
phthalate content.
“Parents have enough to worry about. They
shouldn’t have to also worry about chemicals linked to infertility
getting into their babies from baby products,” said Charlotte Brody,
R.N., executive director of Commonweal, an environmental health research
and education center. “Companies know how to make products without
phthalates and that’s what they need to do.”
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics strongly urges
companies to immediately reformulate to remove phthalates from all
personal care products for children and adults, particularly women of
childbearing age. The campaign is also working to pass laws that give FDA
the power to regulate the cosmetics industry to ensure safe products.
For more information, see www.SafeCosmetics.org.
Read more about phthalates and the story behind the Campaign for Safe
Cosmetics in Stacy Malkan’s new book, Not Just a Pretty Face: The
Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry. www.NotJustaPrettyFace.org
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