Phthalates & Your Infant's Health

Posted by Victoria Anisman-Reiner Feb 5, 2008

Even as stores are pulling PVC products from their shelves and California drafts a new law that will ban certain toys and baby care products, a study by Sheela Sathyanarayana, M.D. at the University of Washington indicates that babies and infants may carry a serious amount of chemical phthalates.

The study observed 163 infants and compared phthalates in their urine against use of chemical-laden baby shampoos, baby powder, PVC toys, fragrances, and other products. Every baby examined had phthalates present in urine; over 80% had more than one type.

These results are worrisome becuase phthalates are found in almost every commercial infant care product - and their effects may be damaging to the reproductive system in early development. In pregnant rats exposed to phthalates, genital birth defects were common in male babies.

There is some concern about the effect of phthalates on humans, not only in utero, but during early childhood development. Infants have an important hormonal "checkpoint" at three months of age, which can be affected when phthalates or other hormone disruptors are present.

Other studies indicate that exposure to phthalates may increase sinus trouble, allergies, and eczema.

The American Chemistry Council has criticised the study, and the Fragrance Materials Association of the United States has responded by claiming that not all phthalates are the same. Johnson & Johnson says the only phthalate found in their products, DEP, is safe.

Yet it seems that there is cause for concern.

Plastics with a "3" recycling code are usually PVC plastic, containing phthalates which may leach into food or upon contact - especially if they have been boiled or, possibly, microwaved.

Personal care products are not required to identify phthalate contents on the label, so it's a good idea to avoid anything but natural products and read labels very carefully.

Read more on toxic skin care ingredients...