The Scoop on Baby Products and Possible Toxins

You may not have known exactly how to pronounce it, but chemicals called phthalates ("thah-lates") have sparked concerned conversations among many moms and dads of young tots in recent years. Parents and scientists alike wonder whether and how kids might be affected by exposure to these modern manmade chemicals — used in everything from cosmetics to household products, from toys to pacifiers, from PVC pipes to plastic food containers.

Now, a new study suggests that some common baby products many parents regularly use — and trust as safe — could contain these chemicals that may be toxic to infants' developing endocrine and reproductive systems.

Researchers tested the urine of 163 babies (2 to 28 months old) to find out how much, if any, phthalates infants may be absorbing through their skin from common baby products. What their research revealed: All of the babies had at least one type of phthalate in their urine at "measurable levels," and 80% had "measurable amounts" of at least seven types of phthalates (which are used to produce fragrances and soften plastics and rubber).

Using baby lotions, shampoos, and powder within the past 24 hours significantly upped infants' levels of certain phthalates — especially in babies under 8 months old, who are at increased risk because their body systems are still developing. And youngsters whose moms said they used baby products more often also had higher levels.

The researchers acknowledge that children may be exposed to phthalates from a wide variety of sources. And although they say absorbing the chemicals through the skin could be "a major route of exposure," the scientists point out that babies and toddlers also could come into contact with phthalates through the air and dust they breathe (as they crawl around on the floor) and by what they put in their mouths (from food products that could leach the chemicals, to toys and teethers they might suck or chew on).

However, the researchers found that some things did not seem to have much effect on babies' phthalate levels: diaper creams, baby wipes, and how often babies used plastic toys and pacifiers that could contain phthalates.

What This Means to You

Although it's unclear whether or how the phthalates in the products used in this study are causing harm, parents may want to avoid using baby care products until scientists can say, for sure, that they are safe.

The fact remains that limited studies have been done on the effects of phthalates on young children. That's why the researchers in this study admit that they don't know if or how, exactly, childhood exposure to phthalates affects development later.

What previous studies have suggested is that phthalates may:

• be toxic to the development of the reproductive organs of animals — and possibly male fetuses
• affect grown men's reproductive function
• change hormone levels in unborn and breastfed babies

So, some health officials are taking measures to limit young children's exposure to phthalates. For instance, the European Union banned the use of six phthalate softeners used to make certain toys and child-care products that babies and young kids might put in their mouths. And California is banning phthalates used in the same kinds of kid-used items.