I Hate Phthalates! How to Avoid Bathing Your Baby in Chemicals
In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, measured the levels of nine different phthalate breakdown products in urine from diapers of 163 infants aged 2 to 28 months. Their report found that all of the urine samples contained at least one phthalate at measurable levels; 81% of the samples had measurable amounts of seven or more phthalates.
“We found that reported use of baby lotion, baby shampoo, and baby powder was associated with increased concentrations of monethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), and monoisobutyl phthalate (MIBP) in infant urine,” said Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, the study’s author.
John Bailey, chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade group, said diethyl phthalate, or DEP, is used in the fragrances of some baby lotions and other baby products. But Bailey questioned the validity of the study because the researchers did not take into account the phthalates that are found in diapers and other baby products. His point is frighteningly accurate although intentionally misleading. Should I feel better about slathering toxic chemicals on my baby’s skin because those chemicals are also found in her diapers, in her toys, and even in her sippy cup? Um, no. So, thanks for the insight Mr. Bailey, but let’s stick with the facts…
Yes
Are phthalates used in personal care products that are specifically designed for children?
Yes
O.K., then. We have a problem. And I for one do not think it’s acceptable to adopt a “let’s wait and see what happens” attitude when it comes to my health or that of my children. For those of you who like to believe that there is some government agency or corporate standards in place to make sure that dangerous substances are not found in the products we use every day, I have just 2 words for you. Tobacco. And. Asbestos. Nothing really happened to regulate these substances until the body count grew so large it was impossible to ignore.
Now lest I be labeled an alarmist and a reactionary….let me please state for the record. I am not against progress. I love technology…and I welcome it with open arms. But when it comes to things that are going to affect my children’s health and future…I want the proof in the pudding.
Why should environmental groups have to prove that these chemicals are dangerous to our kids? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Shouldn’t the companies that are putting phthaltes into their products be forced to provide proof that these chemicals will NOT affect my child’s health before they are allowed to use them in my baby’s shampoo, diapers, and sippy cups?
Here’s how to avoid bathing your baby in phthalates:
Don’t Buy That Crap: Don’t buy any product that contains phthalates. Two of the most toxic phthalates, DBP and DEHP, have been banned from cosmetics products sold in Europe but remain unregulated in the US. Unfortunately, the real problem is that it is almost impossible to tell if your baby lotion or shampoo contains phthalates because personal care companies are not required to list all of their ingredients on product labels. So at the very least, look for personal care products that are labeled “fragrance-free,” as it is likely that they won’t contain phthalates. Better yet, look for products that are certified “phthalate-free.”
Support the EWG: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a small non-profit group sponsored by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that has taken on the monumental task of testing the safety of the chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis. Why? Because NO ONE ELSE IS DOING IT. If it weren’t for groups like this ranting and raving and screaming about phthalates for the last several years, nobody would think twice. They are non-profit, they are independent. And they are the closest thing we have to a watchdog out there when it comes to the safety of the products we use everyday.
Rant and Rave: I make every effort to avoid preaching when it comes to green living. But this one just seriously pisses me off to the point that I can’t help but rant and rave about it…and I think you should too. I mean come on…adding chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption to baby shampoo? That’s just taking it too far. Enough is enough. If you agree, let’s rant and rave together!
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I am so linking to this post–hope it is OK. In my quest to “go green and toxic free” I am continually amazed at what I am finding! I, like you, am totally for progress, but at what expense? And I am in 100% agreement about the whole “wait and see.” What???? Are you kidding me? Thanks for the info–this is a great post!
Incredible. I hadn’t heard about this. You’re doing such a great thing with this blog.
I’m going to link to this post sometime this week.
THANK YOU!!
Thanks for this article…the more people who know about this, the easier it will be to get the laws changed to protect ourselves and our kids from these chemicals!
I, also, try not to be alarmist or preachy about environmental stuff, but the chemicals that are allowed in our skin products…especially for kids…drove me to create my own kid friendly skin care line of soaps and bath products (and some other safe, fun stuff for adults!).
You can find the products at Serendipity Bath Co. http://www.wildlyluckysoap.com/
Family friendly skin care can be done…it just takes a little effort.
Not only do we need to look out for the shampoo and baby lotion ingredients but now we need to check out the vinyl in the shower curtain too !!
In addition to phthalates, often children’s skincare products can contain unnecessary ingredients such as colors or fragrance. But also look out for harsh preservatives, like parabens, which can trigger an eczema flare-up.
One really useful site that lets you compare the ingredients of several leading brands, its from a company called exederm
They make ultra hypoallergenic skin care products for kids with eczema or dermatitis.
And yes, the products are free from phthalates !!
Baby Eczema
Hey, nice tips. I’ll buy a bottle of beer to the man from that forum who told me to go to your blog
Eczema is really so itchy and i cant help but scratch it. Corticosteroid is a heaven sent because it can relieve the itchiness and redness. :
baby skin is so beautiful and smooth. wish i still have my baby skin..;-
oh i wish i have baby skin again, i always envy that smooth glowing baby skin`,-
baby skin is definitely the softest and smoothest skin-:,
the best skin is of course baby skin, it is very smooth and very smooth.;”
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