New Study Questions Safety of Baby Products

There's a new scientific study out that raises questions about the safety of baby lotions, powders and other products parents use. But the industry that makes those products points out some serious problems with the research. The University of Washington tested dozens of babies' urine and found the more of these baby products they used....creams... lotions...powders... shampoos and found the higher their levels of man-made chemicals called Phthalates. It’s concerning because a recent body of data showing that Phthalates are developmental and reproductive toxicants. But that's primarily in animal studies, not in humans. The FDA says it's not clear what effect phthalates have on human health. Phthalates are used in baby products to help the fragrance stay on the baby's skin. An independent panel of experts found low levels of phthalates safe in cosmetics. But the question is: Are those same levels safe...for babies? The industry points out, that this study never tested products themselves & all but one of the Phthalates they found aren't even used in baby products. Phthalates are widely used in plastics. The industry asks: could the levels in these babies have come from plastic diapers...or even plastic gloves and containers used in the research? Still more questions than answers as scientists try to determine if these chemicals are also safe. Perhaps a simpler answer for parents: use less. Some doctors suggest that when cleaning and diapering young babies, soap and water, or even just water, is good enough.