Child Health - University of Washington Study Found Many Babies Exposed to Chemicals

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

Even amidst the new, more strict regulations for toy manufacturers, it turns out potentially harmful chemicals may be lurking in more than just children’s toys.  A new study published in this months Pediatrics medical journal, found that over 80% of infants were exposed to a potentially harmful group of chemicals through baby skin care products.

Researchers from the University of Washington examined the urine of 163 infants born between 2000 and 2005.  The study was launched to determine an infant’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates. Since the current law does not require labels to state phthalates are present in a product, urine was one of the only ways to measure the infants exposure.  Using urine analysis, researchers looked for 9 different phthalate metabolites in the infant’s urine, only to discover that 81% of the infants had detectable amounts. 

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to help stabilize fragrances in personal care products as well as making plastics more pliable.  These chemicals are also used in infant care products, toys, food packaging, and cosmetics.  Exposure to phthalates occurs when using a product containing the chemical or inhalation in from the air.  Phthalates are allegedly banned from use in personal care products, and in some toys in Europe.  As Mum Mum’s reported back in October, the state of California has banned the use of phthalates in toys and baby care products.

The researchers interviewed the parents to discover what types of products were being used on the infants as well as frequency of use.  There was an association between the level of phthalate metabolites found in the urine and the use of infant shampoo, powder, and lotion.

Exactly how phthalates affect the health of an infant is still unknown.  In one of the few human studies conducted, phthalates had a harmful effect on infant males’ reproductive systems.  The majority of animal studies have found phthalates to have a negative effect on development.  While manufacturers feel more research in needed, the majority of experts feel putting infants at risk is simply not worth it. Researchers advise parents to use limited amounts of phthalate-containing products. Most organic baby care products vow to not use harmful chemicals, but be sure the products are “certified organic”. Visit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics for more information on how to choose safe baby care products.