The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, asked parents to use lotions and powders for their babies only if there was a compelling medical reason to do so.  Phthalates are chemicals that are used in children's toys, lubricants and cosmetics in measurable quantities.

Previously it was speculated that babies get these man-made chemicals into their bodies by sucking on toys, but no study had traced the precise source.

Now University of Washington researchers have traced phthalates to the extensive use of baby shampoo, lotion or powder. The researchers analyzed urine samples of 163 infants and found high level of phthalates in these samples.

Lead author Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, pediatric environmental health fellow at the University of Washington and colleagues said phthalates were responsible for many adverse health effects in humans.

"Some phthalates can alter human male reproductive development, but sources of infant exposure have not been well characterized," the authors wrote.

However the study was limited by the fact that it was not designed to trace health issues caused by phthalates. The study only highlights the fact that phthalates may be absorbed by the skin, especially in babies.

Until evidence if found that these chemicals do in fact cause irreversible harm in children, there is no need for parents to panic, but it must be pointed out that chemicals are detrimental to the immature metabolic system in infants.
 

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