Chemicals in Baby Products
As
children’s minds and bodies go through the delicate processes of
growing and developing, they are particularly vulnerable to chemicals
that could affect proper development. And because children have a
natural tendency to suck on objects as a way of exploring the world
around them, harmful chemicals can leach out of these products and
enter their bodies.
Phthalates in plastic toys and baby products Phthalates
are chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among
many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby
products, such as some teethers, bath books, and “rubber” ducks.
Phthalates are not chemically bonded to PVC plastic, which easily
allows them to leach from the plastic.
Scientific studies show that:
· Phthalates can interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system.
· Phthalates can cause reproductive problems and genital malformations.
· Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty.
· Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with the risk factors for testicular cancer.
· Phthalates are linked to allergies and asthma.
· Exposure may be linked to liver and kidney damage.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
The European Union
and at least 14 countries already have banned or are phasing out
phthalates from children’s products to protect children’s health.
Although several of the leading manufacturers of toys and baby products
in the U.S. have restricted the use of phthalates over the last few
years, there are still many products on the market that do contain
phthalates. With the passage of Environment
California-sponsored AB 1108 (Ma-San Francisco), California became the
first state in the country to ban the use of phthalates in children's
products.
Bisphenol A in plastic feeding bottles
Bisphenol
A is an industrial chemical that is used to make polycarbonate plastic.
Among other products, it can be found in clear plastic baby bottles,
reusable water bottles, and microwave ovenware. This has caused concern
since bisphenol A can leach out of the products and may affect human
health.
Scientific studies show that at very low levels:
· Bisphenol A can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
· Bisphenol A can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
· Bisphenol A can lead to impaired learning.
· Bisphenol A is associated with obesity and diabetes.
· Bisphenol A exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
· Bisphenol A stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
· Bisphenol A can significantly increase prostate size.
· Bisphenol A can alter the functioning of the immune system.
· Bisphenol A is associated with miscarriages in women.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
Studies
also show that bisphenol A can leach out of plastic baby bottles. The
leaching appears to accelerate if the bottle is old or scratched.
Some
major bottle producers, such as Medela, make plastic bottles without
bisphenol A. However, most major U.S. baby bottle manufacturers use
bisphenol A in their production, and there is no law prohibiting its
use.
Environment California sponsored legislation authored
by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (San Francisco), AB 1108, which prohibits the
use of phthalates in products intended for use by children under three
years of age.
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