Phthalates in shampoos put babies at risk

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. study said many baby powders, lotions and shampoos expose infants to high levels of hormone-altering chemicals

The report by University of Washington researchers, published in the journal Pediatrics, said infants exposed to those products had markedly increased levels of phthalates in their urine.

Animal and human studies have linked phthalates to reduced male reproductive function.

The researchers tested phthalate levels in 163 infants born between 2000 and 2005 and found 81 percent had detectable levels of phthalate in their urine. The report said the highest levels were found in young infants who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of the chemicals.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said a 2002 study found phthalates in more than 70 percent of products tested, including shampoo, deodorant and perfume. The chemicals were not listed on labels, the group said Monday in a release.

The European Union bans some phthalates from cosmetics and toys. California has banned the chemicals from baby toys.