Chemicals, called phthalates, were found in elevated levels in
the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or
lotioned with baby products in the United States, according to
media reports Monday.?
The chemicals were found in many ordinary products including
cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies. They are used
to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible.
The new study involved 163 babies, most white, ages 2 to 28
months and living in California, Minnesota and Missouri.
The researchers measured levels of several phthalates in urine
from diapers. They also asked the mothers about use in the previous
24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams
and baby wipes.
All urine samples had detectable levels of at least one
phthalate, and most had levels of several more. The highest levels
were linked with shampoos, lotions and powders, and were most
prevalent in babies younger than 8 months.
Animal studies have suggested that phthalates can cause
reproductive birth defects and 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.
(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2008)