Identifying Harmful Chemicals in Baby Bath Products

There are many chemicals in baby bath products. New research is showing that many of these chemicals are harmful to children. Phthalates, a class of chemicals which have been banned from children's plastic toys by President Bush on August 14, 2008, is used as a carrier for synthetic fragrances as well as an emulsifyer to give lotions, creams and liquid soaps their smooth consistency. Chemicals from this class have been shown to cause human health problems such as asthma, allergies, liver damage and kidney damage. If these chemicals shouldn't be in children's toys, why are products still being sold in baby bath care products that are rubbed all over their little bodies?

Phthalates are hidden in body care products under the name of 'fragrance' or 'parfum'. This class of chemicals acts as an emulsifyer and carrier for synthetic fragrances. In an article on MarketWatch, it was stated that on August 14, 2008, President Bush signed a phthalate ban in children's toys into law. Yet this class of harmful chemicals continues to be used in baby bath products.

According to one study from the Clinic of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Marburg in Germany, "This plasticizer is well known to be genotoxic and teratogenic in animals and to cause changes in various organs and enzyme systems even in humans." There are hundreds of studies available on PubMed website, a web site hosted by the National Library of Medicine, that show the reproductive and organ toxicity of this class of chemicals. For more information about phthalates, please read Phthalates and Your Health or visit the PubMed web site and type in search terms such as, phthalate liver, phthalate reproductive and read the reports for yourself. President Bush finally did and banned these harmful chemicals from toys - but they are still in baby body care products.

Propylene Glycol is another potentially harmful chemical in baby bath products. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, "Topical application to injured skin (as a component of burn creams) or intravenous administration (as an excipient in certain anticonvulsant, antianginal, antibiotic, or other medications) has sometimes been associated with: Hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, intravascular hemolysis, complications of CNS depression, seizures, coma, hypoglycemia, and renal failure. In addition, the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) states additional risks more clearly by route of exposure. See sections 6.1 and 9.1.3 Section 6. 1 details routs of exposure, "Dermal: Absorption may be rapid: in an infant with burns who received cream containing propylene glycol for ten consecutive days, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred one hour after the cream had been re-administered after a two-day drug-free interval (Fligner et al, 1985). Eye: Immediate local irritation immediate; systemic absorption not reported. Parenteral: Absorption is immediate." Section 9.1.3 gives details specifically relating to skin exposure, "Absorption through intact skin is minimal, but may become important in infants with skin lesions (Fligner et al., 1985). Local irritation and hypersensitivity reactions may occur (Fisher, 1978; Adams & Maibach, 1985). Systemic effects are less marked than after oral ingestion and are more likely after repeated administration. However, there is evidence that systemic effects may immediately follow local application (Fligner et al., 1985)."

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is yet another harmful chemical in baby bath products. A quick source for additional research regarding sodium laureth sulfate is Wikipedia. Studies have repeatedly shown that sodium laureth sulfate can cause or exacerbate dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is yet another potential harmful chemical in baby bath care products. It has been shown in many studies to cause contact dermatitis and other allergic skin reactions. Here is an excerpt from a study in the American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, "Although most commonly found in rinse-off products, the chemical nonetheless has been shown to induce allergy. The actual component responsible for allergic reaction may be the final compound itself, CAPB, or one of the substances used in its synthesis that may be present as an impurity. Allergy to CAPB is most commonly seen in a head and neck distribution, although other patterns have been identified. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company."

These are only a few of the harmful chemicals found in baby bath products. There are many more. However, due to space restrictions they cannot be fully documented in one article. It is up to consumers to stop purchasing products which can harm their children. Until consumers stop giving companies who make harmful products money for those harmful products, these products will stay on the market.

You can find baby bath products that do not contain these potentially harmful chemicals in natural stores in your area. I also have a section of my web site, Sunflower Naturals devoted to safe, chemical-free products for your children. I totally agree with Janet Nudelman, the director of program and policy for the breast cancer fund who states, "Public awareness is at an all-time high. Consumers are saying that the products we buy must be safe, period. The phthalate ban is a great start, and an indication that Congress is ready to consider the kind of sweeping chemical policy reform that is needed." However, if consumers become educated, a ban will not be needed because people will just stop purchasing baby bath products which contain potentially harmful chemicals.