Phthalates in shampoos put babies at risk

Published: Feb. 4, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Order reprints
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.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Official: China retains trade advantages (5 min)
Prosecutor downplays al-Bashir issues (7 min)
Outfest broadening its film boundaries (9 min)
Chinese fishermen's release demanded (17 min)
Madonna honors Jackson during concert (19 min)
'Slumdog' child star enjoying new home (23 min)
No pardon for Khodorkovsky in works (28 min)
Maggie, a 13 year-old blind poodle, was rescued from a storm drain and returned to her owner. At...
Production of Kid Rock's "American Badass Beer" starts today. "You grab it, you share it with your...
Australian wine prices driven lower than bottled water prices. Life is good
Photoshop this rugged race
Afghanistan as a major tourist destination? The tag says it all
If you've been getting unemployment in Indiana, and haven't put on your really, truly bestest effort...