Possible reproductive problems have been linked to chemicals
found in shampoos, lotions and powders for babies, a small study
suggests.
The chemicals, called phthalates, are found in many ordinary
products including cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical
supplies. They are used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics
flexible.
In the study, they were found in elevated levels in the urine of
babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with
baby products. Animal studies have suggested that phthalates can
cause reproductive birth defects and some activists believe they
may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in
girls.
Phthalates (pronounced thowl-ates) are under attack by some
environmental advocacy groups, but experts are uncertain what
dangers, if any, they might pose. The federal government doesn't
limit their use, although California and some countries have
restricted their use.
"There is an obvious need for laws that force the beauty
industry to clean up its act," said Stacy Malkan of Health Care
Without Harm.
Rigorous scientific evidence in human studies is lacking. The
current study offers no direct evidence that products the infants
used contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in
the babies’urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried
environmental groups that support restrictions on these
chemicals.
The study's lead author, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a University
of Washington pediatrician, said, "The bottom line is that these
chemicals likely do exist in products that we're commonly using on
our children and they potentially could cause health effects."
Babies don't usually need special lotions and powders, and water
alone or shampoo in very small amounts is generally enough to clean
infant hair, Sathyanarayana said.
(Agencies via Xinhua February 5, 2008)