COMMONLY USED BABY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT PUT INFANTS AT SUBSTANTIAL RISK
By Lafe | June 2, 2008
I came across this article by Dr. Darlene McCord and it confirmed a lot about what many of us in the natural products industry have been describing for years. I would like to publicly thank Dr. McCord for her fine research.
Here is the link: http://www.darlenemccord.com/baby-skin-care.html
And here is the article in full:
COMMONLY USED BABY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT PUT INFANTS AT SUBSTANTIAL RISK
Darlene McCord, Ph.D., FAPWCA
Infant SkinThe arrival of a new baby brings many concerns and issues for new and incumbent parents. While new parents are faced with a myriad of issues for the first time, incumbent parents have to deal with the information explosion and change in thought on issues which have evolved since their first parenting experience. In addition, when parents have a second child, if the sex is different some of the issues are also new. Chief among the issues for both new and incumbent parents is the proper care of newborn skin. In fact, in many surveys of parents of newborns this issue often ranks first on the list of concerns. For example, in one study published in the journal Bedside Nursing, a group of mothers with infants under the age of 15 months was asked to consider the chief problem they faced in their babies’ first year. The study reports that the most common concern was how to care for their babies’ skin. Not only are new parents unaware of how to treat their newborn’s skin, but most pediatricians are also unaware of optimal infant skin care. Pediatricians are given very little exposure to pediatric dermatology in medical school and residency training. The minimal experience they do have is usually with severely diseased skin, rather than the care of healthy, but vulnerable skin, as is the case with newborns. This topic is also not addressed in most textbooks of pediatric medicine St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby Co., 1983. The lack of clinically available information leads to the continued use of harmful chemicals on infants. Shockingly, while trying to treat the newborn cautiously and safely, the average newborn is exposed to as many as 48 different chemicals without consideration of the potential toxicity of the chemicals or the products that contain them .
A full-term newborn’s skin is only 40% to 60% the thickness of adult skin, thus rendering it considerably more vulnerable and more permeable. The ratio of body surface area to weight is up to five times that of an adult. Thus, the combination of thinner skin and high body surface area ratios render the infant at significant risk with any integrity disruption of the skin. The skin of premature infants is of even greater risk as it has a significantly less developed stratum corneum when compared to term babies. Accordingly they are at even greater risk of thermal instability due to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Hence, the skin is a critical protectant of the infant for water and thermal control. When improperly cared for, an infant’s skin can be a serious potential health hazard.
Hazardous Ingredients in Baby Skin Care ProductsMany commonly used baby skin care products contain potentially very harmful ingredients. Baby skin care products containing dyes (artificial color) should be avoided as many of these artificial colors are known sensitizers and may result in dermatitis and allergic reactions. As this may become a health concern, dyes in products should be avoided. Fortunately, they are not life threatening. However, many of these products contain additional chemicals that may be life-threatening and must be unequivocally avoided. Three commonly used baby skin care chemicals that must be avoided are talc, propylene glycol and glycerin.
Talc One of the most dangerous ingredients in baby skin care products is talc. It is a common ingredient of the most popular baby powders in use. In a survey conducted by Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Il, 47% of the respondents used baby powder (talc). Another study of baby powder usage found that 69% of parents routinely applied baby powder to their newborns’ skin. In this study parents used the baby powder because they believed that the powder killed bacteria and yeast and prevented diaper rash, neither of which is a valid action of baby powder. Fewer than 500 of the respondents were aware that aspiration or ingestion of powder (talc) was a health hazard.
Baby powder use has been associated with morbidity and mortality due to inhalation . In a review of talc related infant deaths, it was found that of the 25 cases reviewed, fatality occurred in 20% of these reported cases. Based upon the potential hazard of talc use, baby powders containing talc should be discouraged for infants.
Propylene Glycol and GlycerinPropylene glycol has been studied for its toxic effects that include seizures, sudden collapse, cardiac arrhythmia and asystole, hepatic damage, renal damage and hyperosmolality. In a survey conducted on neonatal skin care practices, the authors warned against the use of propylene glycol and glycerin on infants. They cited the associated risks of hyperosmolality and seizures . Propylene glycol is the second ingredient listed on the world’s leading baby lotion ingredient disclosure. While baby products containing propylene glycol and glycerin may bear names of “trusted” companies, further review of the wisdom of their use is warranted. Remedy products contain less than 0.30% propylene glycol.
Mineral OilMineral oil is a hydrocarbon that is processed from crude oil. Many people confuse the name as having the connotation of containing vitamins and minerals, rather than its actual meaning which is derived from the earth’s crude oil. Mineral oil is a separation component along with kerosine and gasoline. While the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA), the leading industry lobbying group, has pointed out that mineral oil should not get the same treatment as other hydrocarbons such as kerosene and gasoline, the Commission continues to pursue the closure regulations . While mineral oil has not been studied to the same degree in the same pediatric literature as talc, propylene glycol or glycerin, it is clear that the Commission’s findings will trigger interest in warning against its use on infant skin. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing a ruling that would mandate child-resistant closures on baby oil that contains more that 10% mineral oil. Beyond the available data, with the risk of other hydrocarbons well known in the causation of various cancers, it seems extremely unwise to apply a hydrocarbon to the delicate skin of a baby. This is especially true when no nutritive value of mineral oil to the baby or the skin can be identified, and there are many other, better options for skin ingredients.
ConclusionsWhile trying to do the best thing for baby, use of many commonly available baby skin care products is actually or potentially harmful to babies. Increasingly, parents are realizing the importance of early exposure of babies to damaging compounds in their first months of life. The marketplace is not only ready, but in many ways, through their purchasing choices for themselves, demanding natural alternatives with better health implications for their baby’s skin. McCord Research has developed a line of skin care products that can be used on babies. The line of skin care products is natural and has eliminated or greatly reduced potentially harmful ingredients. Remedy products, distributed exclusively by Medline Industries, were developed by scientist and physicians. This is the most scientifically developed skin care line in the marketplace and is environmentally-friendly as well as baby-friendly.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, eco-friendly, environment, family health, healthy alternative, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
Austin American-Statesman Interview
By Lafe | May 2, 2008
It was great to be a part of this article from the Austin American-Statesman on our friends at PlastiPure who developed the EA Free resin we are using in our baby products packaging coming out in May. Check it out!
Topics: BPA, Baby Products, Bisphenol A, EA free, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, eco-friendly, environment, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
Big Box Stores Say “NO” to BPA
By Lafe | April 24, 2008
Last week was momentous. Corporate America is finally starting to get the picture regarding the possible harmful effects of toxins like BPA– especially in baby and children’s products. First, Walmart announced they are removing all baby items with BPA. Now, Toys-R-US is doing almost the same thing by phasing such products out. Great news! Check out these articles on the matter…
Limit Your Plastics Exposure
Washington Post - United States
… ingredients is not required in all cases, making it hard for consumers to confidently identify all products containing phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA). …
See all stories on this topic
More US retailers give BPA the boot
USA Today - USA
Toys ‘R’ Us announced Monday that it will phase out bottles and other “baby feeding products” containing BPA by the end of the year. …
See all stories on this topic
Fed Report Addresses Plastic Dangers
NBC Sandiego.com - San Diego,CA,USA
The concern is over the chemical — Bisphenol A or BPA — that has some scientists and health experts worried. BPA is found in plastic containers, …
See all stories on this topic
Health Buzz: Toxic Pets and Other Health News
U.S. News & World Report - Washington,DC,USA
(Most metal food cans have resin linings that prevent spoilage but are rich in bisphenol A, also called BPA.) Numerous studies support a link between canned …
See all stories on this topic
Update: Toys ‘R’ Us to Phase Out BPA Baby Bottles
Washington Post - United States
While the FDA has not changed its position on the safety of products made with Bisphenol-A (BPA), in light of growing consumer concerns on this topic, …
See all stories on this topic
Is your Plastic Water Bottle or Baby Bottle Unsafe?
WCPO - Cincinnati,OH,USA
The US Department of Health and Human Services report now says there’s reason for concern about a chemical called BPA …. in clear polycarbonate bottles. …
See all stories on this topic
Banning BPA from baby bottles ‘prudent’
Northumberland Today - Cobourg,Ontario,Canada
A 60-day public comment period will precede Canada’s plan to ban bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and list the substance as toxic under the Canadian …
See all stories on this topic
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Another Amazing AP Story on BPA and Effects of Plastics
By Lafe | April 18, 2008
I almost can’t keep up with the influx of news surrounding the potential harmful effects of BPA in plastics. I urge you to read yesterday’s Associated Press story.
Topics: BPA, Bisphenol A, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
BPA is Getting Major Media Attention
By Lafe | April 18, 2008
Check out this very interesting piece that ran on NPR on April 16th:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89695229
I also came across this bit of news… it just keeps coming…
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=14790
Topics: BPA, Bisphenol A, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, environment, healthy alternative, phthalates | No Comments »
The Today Show Highlights Harmful Effects of BPA
By Lafe | April 10, 2008
We knew it was only a matter of time before major media would begin to pick up on the story of how harmful chemicals in plastic bottles could be having powerfully negative effects on people, specifically expressed through hormonoal dysfunctions. Please take a look at their story on Bisphenol A which just aired:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24035626/
Topics: BPA, Bisphenol A, Endocrine disruptor, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, family health | No Comments »
Common Organic Compound Found in Many Household Products May Pose Health Risk to Breast Cells
By Lafe | April 3, 2008
Just came across this bit in Newswise.com. The source for this article is the California Pacific Medical Center. Take a look…Â http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539074/
Topics: BPA, Bisphenol A, Breast Cancer, Plastics, family health, healthy alternative, phthalates | No Comments »
Sobering Stories About How Chemicals Affect Infants
By Lafe | March 31, 2008
At ExpoWest, people kept coming up to me and sharing stories about how chemicals in plastics, they believe, are having horrible effects on babies. In one story, a woman told me about her 22-month old granddaughter who (brace yourself) was actually developing a right breast. Obviously, mother and grandmother were extremely worried and they took the little girl to her pediatrician. What’s even more shocking is that the doctor says that he sees this “all the time” and it has become common. He really did not offer an explanation or course of action, but the grandmother immediately removed all plastic toys, sippy cups, everything from the child’s environment. She is convinced that exposure to chemicals in plastics has had an adverse hormonal effect on her granddaughter. And she is not alone. Check out this article I read just last week in The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC.
Topics: BPA, Baby Products, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Expo West 2008, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, environment, family health, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates, sustainable living | No Comments »
People Love EA Free Baby!
By Lafe | March 20, 2008
Well, I just got back from Expo West and it was so exciting to see all the companies starting to offer organic products. It’s what we’ve been doing for years, and it’s wonderful to see how universally organic ingredients are being embraced. The reception to our EA free baby products launch was absoultely phenomenol. As we thought, people are extremely concerned about the chemicals in packaging, and our first ever baby line addresses the need to use not only natural ingredients, but also packaging that is free of harmful chemicals. We hope the industry
will follow our lead and start using cleaner, more eco friendly packaging.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrongenic Activity, Estrongenic Activity Free, Expo West 2008, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, environment, family health, healthy alternative, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates, sustainable living | No Comments »
Getting Ready for Natural Products Expo West
By Lafe | March 7, 2008
I wanted to talk a little bit about our annual Spring trek to Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West and this year we feel very energized. This is because we are launching our new baby line at the show. It’s been an incredible experience learning about endocrine disruptors like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates that are present in everyday plastics. While pretty disconcerting, we are so proud to be able to say that we are the FIRST EVER company to offer certified EA Free packaging for our baby products. I want to give a shout out to our partner, PlastiPure for helping to make this happen. What that means is that the packaging that we’ll be using in our initial line (shampoo & wash, massage oil, lotion and bug repellant) will be totally free of harmful chemicals that may impact reproductive functions later in life. This is an incredible breakthrough not only for us as a company, but for our industry. Just think about it. We’ve been so proactive about using great ingredients that are free of toxins, but now we’re taking baby product safety to another level.
Expo West is an incredible show, the largest natural products show in North America. I’ve been doing this show for about 13 years and I am very heartened at the growth of it. It means that the demand for great natural products is growing significantly. Attending the show also gives me a chance to visit with our international distributor partners from faraway places like New Zealand, Australia, UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Canada.
So if you happen to be there, stop by Booth #3922 and say “hi” and check out our new baby product line and the rest of our natural bodycare products.
Topics: Expo West 2008, Harmful chemicals, Plastics, Reproductive health, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates | 1 Comment »
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