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From BPA to phthalates–is your child really at risk?

Whether you're worried about baby bottles or baby lotion, here's your guide to new research on potential infant health hazards.

by: Sydney Loney

hese are tough times for kids under two. Some of their coolest toys have been taken away, they have to be extra careful about what they put in their mouths and now they've been told they shouldn't indulge in many baby bath products. What's a kid (or parent) to do?

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the recent warnings, research and recalls. To help put things in perspective, we've decoded some of the latest information with the help of pediatrician and author Dr. Jennifer Shu. Here's what you need to know about:

1. Phthalates in baby products

• a recent study published in Pediatrics found infants may be exposed to phthalates in baby lotion, shampoo and powder
• phthalates stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible–they're found in everything from cosmetics to toys
• animal studies suggest phthalates can cause reproductive birth defects
• researchers measured phthalates in babies' urine–the highest levels were linked to infants who had been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned and were most prevalent in infants under eight months

What to keep in mind:
The study offered no direct evidence that the products used on infants contained phthalates or that the chemicals in the babies' urine caused any harm. "It's hard to know how concerned parents need to be at this point," says Shu. "More research needs to be done before the full effects of phthalates (at levels typically found in a child's environment) are known. However, it's a good idea to avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals whenever possible."

What you can do:
Look for products labeled "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, such as DEP and DEHP. As these chemicals often don't appear on labels, avoiding products containing fragrance may help. "In the meantime, the American Academy of Pediatrics has asked that manufacturers keep phthalates out of anything that might go in a baby's mouth, such as bottle nipples, teethers and pacifiers," says Shu.
 

2. Infant cough and cold medicine

What studies say:

• 7,000 children ages 11 and younger are treated in hospitals each year because of cough and cold medications, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• the FDA issued an advisory warning parents to avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicine for children under two
• the FDA is reviewing research for children under 12 to determine whether non-prescription medications are safe or even effective

What to keep in mind:
"No matter what you use, it won't shorten the illness–just possibly reduce some of the symptoms, but even that is in question," says Shu. "For parents who are tempted to use meds, I ask ‘why take a chance?' As we await better studies, the safest route is to hold off on cold medicines and let the virus run its course."

What you can do:
"For children under two, I tell parents not to use any cough or cold medicines (fever reducers such as Tylenol or Advil are fine)," says Shu. "From two to 12, use meds with caution, especially between ages two and six. Use single ingredients directed toward a specific symptom, use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine and keep track of when you and other caregivers administer the medicine."
    Safe cold treatments include fluids (such as water or chicken soup), steam, rest and saline nose drops, says Shu. When in doubt, consult a doctor. "Also call your pediatrician if a cold seems to be getting worse, if your child has any breathing problems (such as fast or labored breathing, not just a stuffy nose) or has a fever over 104 (or any fever that shows up suddenly after the first few days of a cold)."
 

3. Plastic baby bottles

What studies say:

• there is still controversy over whether bisphenol A (BPA) poses a health risk to humans (BPA is found in everything from the lining of food cans to plastic baby bottles), although a growing number of studies show that exposure to low levels of BPA during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood may affect normal development and create a sensitivity to the onset of disease later in life
• Canada is the first country in the world to complete a risk assessment of bisphenol A and to consider a ban on the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles which contain BPA
• a recent study by the Canadian group Environmental Defence found estrogen-mimicking BPA leaches from plastic baby bottles into the liquids they contain, especially when the bottles are heated
• pouring boiling liquid into bottles made of polycarbonate plastic causes a much faster release of BPA, according to recent research from the University of Cincinnati

Responding to new research

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