Mum Mum's Blog Report: University of Washington Study Found Many Babies Exposed to Chemicals; University of Rochester Study Finds Thimerosal Cannot Reach Toxic Levels; Lawmakers Look at Baby Bottle Safety

Despite the newfound focus on the safety of children’s toys, the post explains potentially harmful chemicals may be lurking in other baby products.  A new study published in this month’s edition of the medical journal Pediatrics, found that over 80% of infants were exposed to phthalates from baby skin care products.

 Phthalates are a family of chemicals often used to stabilize fragrances in personal care products and to make plastics more pliable.  Current regulations do not require the labeling of phtalates, although they are not supposed to be used in skin care products.  University of Washington researchers, using urine analysis, found that 81% of the 163 infants studied had been exposed to phthalates either via use of infant care products or inhalation.  Very few human studies have been done examining the harmful effects of phthalates, but animal studies have found the chemicals to cause developmental problems.  In one of the few human studies, phthalates were found to have a harmful effect on male reproductive systems.  Manufacturers claim more research is needed, while researchers conclude it is best to avoid putting infants at risk.  The types of products the infants in the study, as reported by their parents, used included baby shampoo, powder, and lotion.

University of Rochester Study Finds Thimerosal Cannot Reach Toxic Levels

As the vaccine-autism link debate continues, the media and the scientific community are once again at odds. Mum Mum’s reports that while a group of pediatricians seek to cancel a show that paints vaccines in a poor light, a new study reveals that vaccines may not be responsible for the rise in autism.

 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sent a letter to ABC asking to cancel the first episode of a new drama entitled “Eli Stone”.  The first episode follows a lawyer who sues a vaccine maker claiming it is responsible for causing a child’s autism.  The lawyer wins the case for the child, and the family is awarded millions of dollars.  The AAP feared the show would perpetuate concerns over vaccine safety and ultimately decrease the number of children who get vaccinated.  ABC disagreed and said the show will still air.  Meanwhile, a new study by the University of Rochester found that the controversial mercury containing preservative in vaccines, thimerosal, cannot reach toxic levels.  Two hundred and sixteen infants had their blood-mercury levels checked prior to and after vaccination only to find that thimerosal was excreted from the infant’s bodies in about 3.7 days, thus not remaining in the body long enough to cause any real harm.  Researchers also point out the mercury from fish and seafood can take about 44 days to be excreted from the body. 

Lawmakers Look at Baby Bottle Safety

Even though being a new parent is difficult enough, all the new evidence finding chemicals in baby products and toys has made parenting even tougher.  Mum Mum’s discusses a newfound health hazard found in baby bottles.

This week, lawmakers and advocates will be releasing the findings of a shocking new study examining the safety of baby bottles.  Apparently, the study found that the use of BPA, a synthetic chemical used in the production of 95% of the baby bottles currently on the market, can cause serious health risks including diabetes, obesity, and cancer.  High levels of BPA, or bisphenol A, can leach out when baby bottles are used and heated over extended periods of time.  The FDA has approved the use of BPA but is currently revisiting its safety.  Massachusetts lawmakers are pushing for a bill to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles made in the state. 

About The Mum-Mum Blog
The Baby Mum Mum Blog discusses everything to do with Babies and Parenting with a focus on Health, Nutrition and Infant Development. Baby Mum Mum is a healthy, easy to digest baby rice snack that is enjoyed by babies and moms around the world for its portability, gluten free ingredients and great taste. Baby Mum Mum is a division of Want Want Holdings, a manufacturer of healthy snack foods, beverage and related products since 1962.