Baby Cosmetics Riddled With Phthalates

META-DAD — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:25:00 -0600

Scientific studies out of University of Washington’s Department of Pediatrics have revealed a number of commonly used baby and infant shampoos, lotions and powders have been linked to high concentrations of hormone-altering phthalates in infant and toddler’s urine. The main use of phthalates in consumer products is as a plastic and vinyl softer (common for soft pliable toys) and to stabilize fragrances in loads of products including toys, personal care products and medical equipment.

Manufacturers of baby cosmetics do not list phthalates as ingredients on labels, so it is unknown which products contain them. I am sure as this study circulates, the heat will be turned up on manufacturers dubious labeling practices and subsequent usage of phthalates as a binding agent. In the press releases that I read on the subject the doctors suggest use shampoos, creams and powders on infants and babies sparingly. Well thanks, Mr and Ms. Medical Community for the tip.

In April 2007 the state of California outlawed the sale of products with phthalates. Studies in the past few years link phthalate exposure to birth defects, hormonal disruptions, and cancer.

This bill would also require manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative when replacing phthalates in their products and would prohibit manufacturers from replacing phthalates with certain carcinogens and reproductive toxicants.” ~ California Ban On Phthalates

The European Union restricted the sale of phthalate-laced toys in 1999 and recently beefed up controls. The California law goes into affect in 2009.

The two general Rules of Thumb I am rendering from the recent articles on phthalate use in products is this -

1. If it is made out of soft pliable plastic or vinyl and is not labeled “Non-Toxic” or “Phthalate Free” it is probably riddled with the stuff
2. If the lotion, soap, shampoo, cream or powder has a fragrance and is not labeled “Non-Toxic” or “Phthalate Free” it probably isn’t.

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Baby Cosmetics Riddled With Phthalates