Chemicals Index

Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting and potentially carcinogenic chemical believed to affect early-stage development while posing risks for lifelong health risks such as "effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures" (National Toxicology Program). Studies are ongoing regarding its potential relationship to obesity, breast cancer, and other problems. Health Canada has proposed classifying BPA as "'toxic' to human health and the environment," and plans to institute a ban on BPA in children's products. Many consumers are under the mistaken impression that BPA is found only in hard, clear plastic, although it can be present in opaque plastic (white or colored) as well as softer plastic applications (color-changing plastics, for example). BPA is one of many chemicals developed in the early decades of the 20th century and grandfathered into accepted use without extensive testing.

Sources: "Since You Asked: Questions and Answers about the National Toxicology Program's Evaluation of Bisphenol A"; "Government of Canada Takes Action On Another Chemical of Concern: Bisphenol A"

Flame retardants

The class of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used to make children's sleepwear, crib bedding, and car seats as well as everything from sofas to TVs more flame resistant than the materials they are made of have been strongly linked to harmful liver, thyroid, reproductive/developmental, and neurological effects. Most of these chemicals have been banned in the European Union, including decaBDE, the one PBDE that is still available in the North American market. Such flame retardants are primarily beneficial in combating the inherent flammability of the synthetic materials that have replaced many natural textiles and fillers.

Source: "New Thinking On Flame Retardants" [Environmental Health Perspectives], "Flame Retardants" [Wikipedia]

Latex

Latex is either derived from the sap of the rubber tree or synthetically produced, and is still used by some companies in nipples for bottles and pacifiers, although many companies have stopped because of the risks involved in its use. Repeated exposure to latex proteins can lead to the development of latex allergies; it is estimated that 5-10% of healthcare workers, for example, are allergic to latex. The risk of the development of latex allergies, as well as the dangers of an allergic reaction, are greater in infants and young children, and once a latex allergy is triggered, it has a lifelong impact. Many infant care companies now opt instead for silicone, which is believed to be much safer; other companies use only naturally-derived latex (from rubber trees) rather than synthetically-produced latex, and some even remove certain proteins from the latex in the belief that this reduces or eliminates the risk of an allergic response.

Sources: WebMD, ZRecs

Lead

Lead is still found in some products children are exposed to at "acceptable" levels (including many children's vitamins) and is sometimes used as an additive (softener) in PVC ("vinyl") plastics. A potent neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time, lead's high toxicity leads to brain and blood disorders, can delay puberty in girls, and has been identified as a possible contributor to schizophrenia. Lead is also used in solder for electronics, including products designed for children, but its low reactivity and solubility make its presence there less of a concern for consumers as for its eventual disposal, when it is released over time into the soil.

Sources: "Dangers of Lead Still Linger" [FDA], "Lead: Health Effects" [Wikipedia]

Parabens

Parabens are widely used in cosmetics and other personal care products. The potential health hazards of parabens are widely disputed, and most who advise avoidance of the antimicrobial chemicals agree that more research is needed.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Wikipedia

Phthalates

Phthalates have been implicated in endocrine disruption (changes in hormone levels) and genital abnormalities, and are being studied for their relationship to childhood allergies. Several phthalates have been banned or restricted in children's toys in the EU since 1999, with the U.S. due for a ban on six phthalates in children's products to go into effect in 2009. Phthalates are widely used in PVC but are also used in a variety of topical products, including skin care products and as stabilizers for fragrance, and are often not listed specifically on ingredient labels. Many of these products are produced specifically for children.

Sources: Wikipedia

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Polyethylene glycol is potentially carcinogenic in most formulations, and is frequently used in personal care products (as well as household cleaners) to dissolve oil and grease. It also acts as a thickening agent.

Sources: Cancer Prevention Coalition

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC (the "#3" plastic in terms of recycling codes) has been phased out of infant products in most countries, including the U.S., for its widespread reliance on phthalates, an endocrine-disrupting class of chemicals used to soften it. Some companies now use "phthalate-free PVC" in children's bath products and toys; other applications, such as tubing and bags for medical use, avoid only certain phthalates with the highest known hazard levels. Other chemicals of concern are also used as softeners in PVC, including lead (the source of the lead-in-lunch-bags round of recalls in 2007), as well as the heavy metal cadmium, and many such uses are still legal in products for or used around children. Vinyl chloride, used in the production of PVC, is also a potent toxin and can cause health problems in workers, as well as being hazardous to the environment.

Sources: "PVC: Health and Safety" [Wikipedia], "An Evaluation of the Hazards of Toys and other Products made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)" [Turner Toys]

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulfate is widely used in bath products, including those for children. It is a common source of children's eczema and skin irritation, and when found in toothpaste, it may be related to mouth ulcers. Sodium laureth sulfate, or SLES, is less harsh on the skin.

Sources: "Sodium lauryl sulfate: Reactions" [Wikipedia]

Triclosan

Triclosan is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in soaps, lotions, and other personal care products. It is a chemical of great concern because it combines with free chlorine in tap water to create dioxins, a family of chemicals of varying toxicity that are known carcinogens, and has been identified as an endocrine disruptor that mimics hormones produced by the thyroid. Triclosan has also been implicated in a variety of studies as a contributor to allergy susceptibility and skin irritation. It is marketed as "Microban" in plastics and clothing and as Biofresh" in acrylic fibers.

Sources: Triclosan: A Beyond Pesticides Factsheet [PDF], "Triclosan: Health Concerns" (Wikipedia)