Researchers, who have studied the concentrations of phthalate metabolites in babies’ urine, have found that infant exposure to baby lotion, powder, and shampoo was significantly associated with increased urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites.

Phthalates are chemicals which are used in the manufacture of some plastics, but are also added to fragrances which are used in many household and personal care products. Animal studies suggest that they may have adverse effects on the reproductive system.

 
When phthalates are absorbed into the body, they are converted into other compounds (metabolites). In this study, the urine of 163 babies was analysed for the metabolites of 7 phthalates which were known to be added to personal care products. The urine of each baby contained at least one phthalate metabolite and more than 80% of the babies produced urine containing the metabolites of at least 7 phthalates. The association between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and application of baby toiletries to the infants was strongest in the youngest babies.

 
The scientists recommended that parents minimise the use of toiletries on infants unless these products are required for medical purposes.

References

Myers, S.  2008  Synopsis : Baby Care Products : Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure   Environmental Health News. Online, available at : http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org  (Viewed on 24.3.08)

 
Sathyanarayana, S., Karr, C., Lozano, P., Brown, E., Calafat, A., Liu, F. and Swan, S.  2008  Baby Care Products : Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure     PEDIATRICS 12(2): e260-e268. (Abstract). Online, available at : http://pediatrics.aappublications.org  (Viewed on 24.3.08)