GreenSage E-zine 05/2008

Baby Products and the Phthalate Body Burden

Chemical Linked to Reproductive Harm is Getting into Babies from Shampoos, Lotions and Powders. Researchers recommend parents reduce product use.

The use of powder, lotions and shampoo on infants markedly increased the levels of phthalates found in the babies' urine, according to a recent study by University of Washington researchers published in the journal Pediatrics.

In animal studies, phthalates cause infertility, birth defects and other malformations of the male reproductive tract. Several human studies also indicate that phthalates may adversely affect male reproductive function at levels commonly found in people. Young infants and fetuses are most vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of phthalates.

Concerns about the health impacts of phthalates reveals research linking high phthalate levels with feminized genitals in baby boys. Prenatal phthalate exposure has been linked with incomplete testicular descent and smaller penises in male babies. The changes occurred at phthalate levels that have been measured in about one quarter of women in the United States. The study also found more than 80 percent of infants tested had been exposed to phthalates.

According to this study, lotions, powders and shampoos “may contribute significantly to phthalate body burden" in infants. “If parents want to decrease exposures, then we recommend limiting the amount of infant care products used, and not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason,” the researchers wrote.

In a Centers for Disease Control study of phthalates, the breakdown product of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was detected in the highest level in the tested population. DEP is used in a number of scented products such as soaps, lotions and perfumes. DEP is also found in plastic products like toothbrushes, toys and food packaging. The most widely used phthalate plasticizer, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), used in food packaging, is another form of toxic phthalate which can migrate into food from certain foodwraps during storage. Similarly, we are also contaminated with other commonly used phthalates such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP), used in teethers and toys.

Previous studies show that a high majority of fragranced personal care products contain phthalates, so a product that is fragrance-free could also be phthalate-free. A 2002 study found phthalates in more than 70 percent of products tested, including shampoo, deodorant and perfume. The chemicals were not listed on labels. There are products available that are labeled phthalate-free.

The European Union bans some phthalates from cosmetics and toys, and California banned the chemicals from baby toys - but phthalates are legal to use in personal care products sold in the United States, and there are no requirements to label products for phthalate content. Toys made of highly phthalate-softened vinyl (for example, teethers) should be avoided.

“Parents have enough to worry about. They shouldn't have to also worry about chemicals linked to infertility getting into their babies from baby products,” said Charlotte Brody, R.N., executive director of Commonweal, an environmental health research and education center. “Companies know how to make products without phthalates and that's what they need to do.”

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics strongly urges companies to immediately reformulate to remove phthalates from all personal care products for children and adults, particularly women of childbearing age. The campaign is also working to pass laws that give FDA the power to regulate the cosmetics industry to ensure safe products.

What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of widely used chemicals that make plastic softer and help stabilize fragrance in personal care products. These chemicals are found in children's toys, infant care products, cosmetics, food packaging, vinyl flooring, blood storage containers, and more, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Exposure to phthalates occurs when you use a product containing them, from breathing household dust containing phthalates, from medical treatments like dialysis that use products with phthalates, and from living near a manufacturing facility that uses phthalates, according to the CDC. Phthalates are banned from use in personal care products and in some toys in Europe.