Study sees hazards in baby powder, lotion

Parents who want to reduce their infants’ exposure to phthalates, chemicals suspected of impairing male reproductive function, should not apply baby lotions or powders – except for medical reasons. So concludes a study published online this week in the journal Pediatrics.

Phthalates – manmade chemicals used in the manufacture of lubricants, cosmetics and plastic products, including children’s toys – get into the air, liquids and the skin. Young children have been shown to have especially high concentrations. But although researchers have speculated that sucking and chewing on toys and playing on dusty floors may account for this, no study has looked at sources of children’s exposure.

The Pediatrics study measured phthalates in the urine of 163 infants (2 to 28 months old) against their mothers’ reports of the babies’ behavior in the previous 24 hours. The mothers were asked about use of infant powders, diaper creams, wipes, shampoo and lotion. They were also asked how many hours their infants played with items such as teething rings and pacifiers.

All the infants’ urine had phthalates. Use of powder, lotion and shampoo was tied to higher concentrations, especially in younger infants.