Phthalates basics, options

The journal Pediatrics recently found surprising levels of phthalates in the urine of babies and traced it to products such as shampoos, lotions, and powders used on these children.

Phthalates are common compounds that stabilize fragrances in many personal-care products. They're also used in plastics such as PVC and vinyl to make the material flexible.

Europe has already banned phthalates from children's toys because of fears that kids would ingest the stuff when chewing or sucking on the goods. Starting in 2009, California law will ban phthalate-tainted toys too.

The Breast Cancer Fund notes that phthalates are found in a wide range of cosmetics, hair care products, and nail polish.

The health effects (PDF) of absorbing or ingesting phthalates range from developmental and reproductive toxicity to damage to the liver and kidneys. At least one study connected genital abnormalities in baby boys to phthalates exposure when their mothers were pregnant. Another larger study found links between asthma and allergic symptoms in children and contact with phthalates.

Scientists have only been looking at this issue for a short time (and these chemicals have been in use for many years), so some think worries are overblown.

Still, when you're caring for you own baby, why take chances? Chemical-free goods are available in stores and online, and these are a good, old-fashioned way to treat a child's delicate skin.

For starters, check out the Environmental Working Group's database of baby care products to see how your brands rate. Read a complete report on each lotion, shampoo, powder, and more to see toxicity of the ingredients.

If your current stuff doesn't measure up, try searching the Web for organic baby skin-care. Read the labels and make sure the products use certified organic ingredients and nothing ends with "-phthalate."