News Coverage
Study: Dangerous Chemicals In Common Baby Products
Published October 31, 2007
The Environmental Working Group surveyed 3,300 parents asking what products they use and compared the ingredients to lists of chemicals know to cause allergies, hormone disruption, damage to the nervous system, and cancer.
Dr. Rebecca Sutton, an environmental scientist conducted the study. “What we found is every day through the use of personal care, kids are exposed to 27 chemical ingredients that have never been assessed for safety...not by industry, or by the government.”
Juanita Forster, a San Mateo mother with three little girls is shocked.
“You think if it’s sold on the shelves and there is a beautiful baby on it, it's safe for babies," said Forster. "To hear that it’s not is amazing to me.”
The questionable chemicals are found in generic store brand diaper wipes to big name brand sunscreen. Dr. Sutton points a few out.
“2 bromo, 2 nitropropane, 3-DIOL creates allergy and skin irritation and in certain products it can break down to form cancer causing agents. Desitin diaper cream contains sodium borate. It can collect in the brain and liver and case health effects,” said Dr. Sutton.
The study found 89% of products labeled "recommended by a doctor" actually contain what Dr. Sutton considers dangerous chemicals.
“Sunscreen with oxybenzone can trigger allergies and disrupt the hormone system,” Sutton said.
Manufacturers respond to these claims with this statement from the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association:
"Companies utilize a complex, multi-tiered scientific approach to extensively evaluate the safety of individual ingredients and finished products. These processes can take many months to several years to complete and utilize the expertise of leading chemists, toxicologists, biologists, dermatologists and experts from other scientific disciplines and medical specialty areas."
Forster doesn't quite trust manufacturers given recent chemical scares.
“They were supposed to not be using lead paint on kids toys, and that didn't work too well,” Forster said.
The study is calling for the FDA to require strict testing of the chemicals’ health effects as they would apply to children. The Environmental Working Group has a buying guide listing chemicals to watch out for in products.
