Contributed by William Angelos| 13 October, 2005 17:51 GMT
'Normal brain development is impaired by exposure to toxins, such as flame retardants and phthalates, often resulting in learning and other developmental disabilities.'
Many common baby products, such as teethers, bath books and sleep accessories, contain toxic chemicals, according to a report released by the
US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).
The toxic chemicals include phthalates and PBDEs, both of which have been linked to a host of health problems.
"We need to eliminate toxic chemicals from baby products to give our children the right start," says US PIRG Environmental Health advocate Meghan Purvis. "Our government should give parents the information they need to adequately protect their children from toxic chemicals, and ultimately remove toxic chemicals from children’s products."
Toxic Flame Retardants
PIRG tested seven infant sleep accessories, such as mattress pads and sleep wedges, for the presence of PBDEs or toxic flame retardants. Eighteen other children’s products, such as bath books and teethers, were tested for the presence of phthalates.
The organization made these findings:
Three of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained toxic flame retardants in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years’ Adjustable Air Flow Sleep Positioner both contained these chemicals.
Fifteen of the eighteen tested bath books, teethers, bath toys and other products tested positive for phthalates in their materials. For example, teethers made by Especially for Baby were found to contain DBP, a type of phthalate classified as a reproductive toxicant and banned in the European Union.
Two products labeled "phthalate-free" -- Sassy’s "Who Loves Baby? Photo Book" and "Hello Bee, Hello Me Book" -- actually contained two types of phthalates, DEHP and DBP, PIRG’s research discovered. These two chemicals are banned in children's products in the European Union.
Brain Development Is Impaired
The release of the US PIRG report is part of a nationwide effort to draw attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in baby products. More than 20 state PIRGs and environment groups co-released this report.
"Normal brain development is impaired by exposure to toxins, such as flame retardants and phthalates, often resulting in learning and other developmental disabilities," says Dr. Larry Silver, past president of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and current Clinical Professor at Georgetown Medical Center.
"There is an immense disconnect and unacceptable delay between scientific data and public awareness and prevention," Dr. Silver adds. "PIRG’s report is a giant step in helping parents become better informed consumers so they can protect their children's health in the future."
Learning Defects, Cancer
PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are a set of chemicals used to slow the spread of fire. They have been linked to impaired learning and memory, reproductive defects, cancer and impaired immune systems.
PBDEs found in the breast milk of American women and some fetuses are approaching levels shown to impair learning and cause behavior problems in mice. Two of these chemicals have been banned in nine states, and the federal government has taken action to stop new production of these chemicals. However, the federal government still allows importation of products that contain them.
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve flexibility, and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the product. They have been linked to premature birth, reproductive defects and early onset of puberty.
People are exposed to phthalates through everyday contact with household and personal care products, as well as through contact with indoor air and dust. The European Union has imposed a ban on three types of phthalates in all children’s products, and has banned three other types from use in mouthing products marketed for children under three.
Call for Action
In the absence of government information and protection, US PIRG recommends that parents avoid letting children put PVC (polyvinylchloride) plastic toys in their mouths. Glass containers should be used for food and drink storage when possible.
When washing plastic products, parents are advised to avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up the leaching process. A tip sheet and other information is available at www.safefromtoxics.org.
"Parents cannot be expected to deal with these issues on their own," Purvis says. "The US government must act to assist parents and ensure that products on the market are not potentially harmful for children."
Some state governments already are taking steps to protect their citizens. Nine states have phased out two types of flame retardants from consumer products, and the California legislature is considering a proposal to ban phthalates and another chemical, bisphenol-A, from children’s products.
US PIRG call for action:
The US government should phase out the most dangerous chemicals, particularly from children’s products. Until the
US Environmental Protection Agency acts, state governments should fill the regulatory gap and support policies to phase out potentially hazardous chemicals.
US chemicals policy should be reformed to ensure that manufacturers and industrial users provide the public with adequate information about their products. US PIRG calls on Senators to cosponsor the Kid Safe Chemicals Act (S. 1391), which was introduced earlier this year.
The
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should protect consumers from dangerous products by requiring labels on products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Manufacturers should be required to remove chemicals that pose a particular threat to fetuses, infants and children. |
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