Toxins in Baby Products: is Your Baby a Victim?
It’s an unsettling fact that up to three-quarters of baby products contain toxins. Here’s how to tell if you’re using products that are toxic for babies.
Most babies come into the world healthy, innocent, and untouched by the sea of toxins they’ll soon encounter by living life on this planet. They’ll breathe in airborne pollutants and swallow foods containing a myriad of unregulated chemicals that can alter their DNA. Even more disturbingly, they’ll be exposed to the many toxins in baby products that can be readily absorbed by the skin and exert their effects on the inner machinery of the body. Babies are the most susceptible to the effects of these toxins since their DNA is multiplying rapidly as they enter their growth phase of life. Why is there such concern about these toxins in baby products and what can be done about this serious problem?
The Problem of Toxins in Baby Products
A study published in the journal Pediatrics in 2008 revealed the unsettling fact that babies are routinely exposed to toxins in baby products called phthlates. Phthlates are a group of industrial chemicals that can cause reproductive damage in infants and babies. Testing by the Environmental Working Group showed that phthlates can be found in seventy-five percent of baby products produced by big name manufacturers. These aren’t products imported from China, but brand name baby products developed by reputable companies.
Why Are Phthlates So Toxic for Babies?
Phthlates have been shown to alter sex hormone levels in the body which could lead to early puberty and even increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer later in life. In addition, fetuses exposed to phthlates in utero have a higher risk of birth defects. Because of the ability of phthlates to disrupt hormones, they’re are also thought to play a role in metabolic syndrome and obesity. It’s clear that phthlates have the potential to be toxic for babies and shouldn’t be allowed in baby products at any level. In fact, the European Union has banned the use of phthlates in children’s toys due to the risk of health problems.
Are There Other Toxins in Baby Products?
Phthlates aren’t the only toxins in baby products. When a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested baby bath products, they found that over half contained dioxanes and formaldehyde, chemicals that are thought to increase the risk of cancer. Surprisingly, such well known products as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and Baby Magic Lotion contained these toxins, illustrating that buying well known, name brand products offers little protection or reassurance that it’s non-toxic for babies.
How Can You Tell If a Product is Toxic for Babies?
One way this problem can be addressed by a parent is to visit the website cosmeticsdatabase.com. This site is sponsored by the Environmental Working group and specific products can be searched for by name to determine if they’re toxic for babies. If you don’t have the time to make your own natural baby care products, consulting this site is the next best alternative to ensure you’re not buying products that could jeopardize the future health of your baby.
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Uma Shankari | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Scary, isn’t it? When we were children, our mothers massaged our bodies with coconut oil ( sometimes specially prepared by heating coconut milk in coconut oil — the best moisturizer you can get) and then washed it with plain gram flour. No soaps. Sooner we get into basics, the better.
RAJEEV BHARGAVA | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
i agree it is a scary issue. it’s reminiscent of the way addtives and acids are placed in “natural food and drink products”. more and more people are growing conscious and the demand will be to place all the ingredients clearly on the label as well as the expir date. thank you very much for spreading the awareness of this very crucial matter.
NutritionWellBe | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
This article needs to be given to all pregnant women BEFORE they have their children. Some major skin care companies have deals with maternity hospitals and place their products so that they are in the room for new Mums to wash their newborns in!
Samuel Epstein from the Coalition for the Prevention of Cancer has written articles and books about how to select safe products without phthlates and other toxic chemicals.