THE DANGERS OF BABY CARE PRODUCTS

According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), “the EPA has determined that infants up to age 2 are, on average, 10 times more vulnerable to carcinogenic chemicals than adults, and from age 2 to 15 they are 3 times more vulnerable to carcinogens than adults. Before the age of 2 babies have accumulated 50% of their life-time cancer risk.”

From the moment a baby is born, we are slathering them with soaps, lotions, diaper creams, and powders. These products are linked to issues such as, antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption, allergies, asthma, developmental disorders, skin irritation and potentially cancer.

Their little bodies are still developing the immune system and central nervous system, which means that they are less capable of eliminating the chemicals from these products.

Our skin is the body’s largest organ and because our skin does not protect us from toxins, every chemical goes straight to our blood stream in seconds. Decreasing a child’s exposure to these chemical even before he or she is born will lower his or her risk of allergies, chemical sensitivities, and risk of cancers and illnesses.

Although companies are becoming more aware of this major issue, their so called “natural,” “botanical,” or “pure” products all have just as high of a toxicity rating at their original products.

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I decided to use the Think Dirty app to search common baby care products. Think Dirty is an app that allows you to scan or search products for a toxicity rating. 0 is the best and 10 is the worst.

I didn't want to target any specific companies so I simply searched "baby lotion," "baby soap," "diaper rash cream," etc. And here is what I found...

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To help you out, here are some chemicals you should avoid when looking for the healthiest baby care products available...

Fragrance

Fragrances are a RED FLAG! A fragrance is a company’s secret blend, therefore, the company does not have to disclose any of the information about it. This means that you could be putting any number of extremely toxic chemicals on your body.

You may LOVE the smell of baby lotion but that “baby” smell comes with a price! Fragrances may cause allergies, skin irritation, respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, watery eyes, and can be toxic to various organs in the body.

Fragrances are added to diapers, baby powder, baby wash, shampoo, and lotions, and many other baby products!

Fragrances are long lasting. They linger on our skin and clothes for hours.

For more information on fragrance, click HERE.

Phthalates and Parabens

The word “phthalate” won’t actually be on the label but if you see the word “fragrance” or “perfume”, the product most likely contains phthalates. Unfortunately, they are everywhere!

Phthalates and parabens are chemicals used to preserve products like baby shampoo, soap, and lotion.

Phthalates are most absorbed when inhaled but also absorbed through your skin, which is dangerous because your skin has no protection again toxins. When chemicals are absorbed through your skin, they go straight to your organs.

Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, which can cause reproductive issues. This chemical may also cause allergies, asthma, developmental disorders, endometriosis, skin irritation and potentially cancer.

Parabens are linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption, and skin irritation. Avoid products that have ingredients with ‘paraben’ in its name, as well as benzoic acid and propyl ester.

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

To prevent mold from forming, companies will add formaldehyde to water-based products as a preservative. Formaldehyde can be directly added to the product or released from another preservative within the product.

To avoid this chemical, look for products containing formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.

Some people may have health effects, such as, watery eyes, burning sensations of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing. nausea and/or skin irritation.

1,4-dioxane

1,4-dioxane is found in bath products and liquid soaps. It is found in approximately 57% of baby soaps.

This is another product that you won’t see on a label but there are still ways you can avoid it. Don’t use products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), PEG compounds, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, or chemicals listed as xynol, ceteareth or oleth.

1,4-dioxane is a possible carcinogen and is linked to organ toxicity and skin allergies.

Proplyene Glycol (PEG) or (PPG)

Proplyene glycol is used to promote penetration. It allows the product to be easily absorbed by the skin. It is also used in wiper fluid and to de-ice airplanes, yet it is found in products such as baby wipes.

Proplyene glycol may be linked to certain cancers.

Talc

Talc is a powered mineral that is used in almost all baby powders. It is used to reduce rashes and diaper irritation, as well as a drying agent and deodorizer.

When inhaled, talc can cause acute or chronic lung irritation called talcosis. Talc is linked to cancer, especially ovarian cancer. Women who use talc frequently on their genitals increase their risk of ovarian cancer by threefold.

Mineral oil

Essentially, baby oil is mineral oil and fragrance. Mineral oil acts as a plastic wrap on your skin, which prevents the body from eliminating toxins. See above for more information on fragrances.

Triclosan

Many products that are labeled as an ‘antibacterial’ usually contain triclosan.

The state of Minnesota has already banned most uses of triclosan, but it's still widely sold across the US in toothpaste, soaps, makeup, and more.

Triclosan is a known carcinogenic, endocrine and hormone disruptor and harmful for the environment. It also creates antibiotic resistance, may cause fetal bone malformations, preterm and low birth weight in babies, and it interferes with cells

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For more information on healthy alternatives for babies and children, click HERE.

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Apps for finding healthy products:

Think Dirty

The Environmental Working Group’ Skin Deep

GoodGuide

#CHILDREN