Are Phthalates Safe For Your Baby?
A recent study, to be published in Pediatrics, found that baby shampoo, baby powder, and baby lotion contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and to enhance scents in many household products.
Why is this important? Past studies indicate that phthalates affect male reproductive development when a fetus is exposed to the chemical while still in the womb. But not enough studies have been conducted to conclusively say that phthalates pose a danger to the development of a child.
Studies have not been conducted to determine the effects of this chemical on children through contact with normal, everyday, household products. Certainly the affect on the reproductive system is not an immediately observable and a long-term research project would be necessary to assess if any damage is caused by exposure to phthalates at low levels.
Studies have been conducted on animals (rodents and primates) with mixed results. Some studies suggest adverse effects on animals, including increased allergic reaction to an allergen. Other studies have found that phthalates have no observable effects on laboratory-tested animals.
It must be said that a parent cannot jump to conclusions about the potential harm caused by phthalates because the research is so limited. But parents also cannot assume that phthalates are safe. At this point in time, no one really knows for sure. The most information parents have available to them is speculation based on a very small amount of scientific study.
While the exact effect of phthalates cannot be determined without further research, it is clear that parents should be mindful of the substances and chemicals coming into contact with their children. And it is also clear that more research is needed on the subject. Our children are too important to risk the potential side effects of this chemical.
[tags]baby_shampoo, reproductive_development, baby_lotion, baby_powder, reproductive_system, rodents, phthalates[/tags]
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