DrJeremy's Journal

A very interesting study which will only create more questions than actually answer was published this week in the journal Pediatrics.  What the researchers found was with the increase of baby lotions, shampoos, and other infant skin care products, there has been an increase in the concentration of phthalates, which are often found in the products with the fragrances ("nice smells"), something I've noticed many parents love.  Now what the researchers specifically found was that those babies exposed to these products had 4x the level of phthalates in their urine than babies whose parents did not use these products, with the highest levels seen in babies under 8 months of age.  This is the first study to report that skin transmission may be a main route of exposure for babies as prior studies have focused on oral transmission rates, primarily from sucking on toys and other feeding products.

Now what does this mean?  Well, unfortunately, we are not sure.  There has been some concern that elevated levels of these chemicals may have an impact on the reproductive process...possibly reducing testosterone and altering some of the important reproductive organs, particularly with males.

Now no formal recommendations have come from this study and clearly more research needs to be performed but certainly it adds a bit more for all parents to think about...stay tuned.

Dr. Jeremy