US phthalates study highlights infant health risk

04 February 2008 10:32  [Source: ICIS news]

By Mark Watts

 

LONDON (ICIS news)--Baby lotions, powders and shampoos can lead to increased exposure in infants to phthalates, chemicals which have been linked with reproductive problems, a US-based study released on Monday said.

 

Urinary concentrations of phthalates were found to increase with the number of products used, said the study in the Official Journal of American Pediatrics.

 

“This association was strongest in young infants, who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area,” it said.

 

Phthalates are chemicals mainly used in used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) applications to confer specific characteristics such as malleability and softness.

 

Testing on animals has suggested phthalates can cause reproductive defects and some research has shown early exposure can cause reduced testosterone levels in boys.

 

“In the US, there is no requirement that products be labelled as to their phthalate content,” said the study. “Parents may not be able to make informed choices until manufacturers are required to list phthalate contents of products.”

 

A recently passed California law has banned six types in children's toys and feeding products. However, no federal or state law in the US prohibits their use in personal care products or cosmetics.

 

The California statute was criticised by US chemicals industry officials, who said the action was the “unsound result of fear politics” and that it puts at risk the state’s long-term plans to address chemical health and safety issues “in a rational and science-based way”.

 

“Several companies have started to decrease use of phthalates in the production process and label products as phthalate-free, but the safety of these alternatives has yet to be established,” the study said.

 

The authors recommended that parents limit the amount of infant care products used advising not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason.

 

By: Mark Watts
+44 20 8652 3214

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