February 4, 2008
In an article that will be published next month in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, MPH— together with six other researchers—outlines the findings of a study that seeks to explore the sources of infant phthalate exposure through the use of baby care products such as lotions, powders, shampoos and creams.
The study's recommendation to limit the "amount of infant care products used and not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason" is an extreme and unnecessary measure that is not supported by existing science and not justified by the data presented in the article.
"All parents want to feel confident that they are keeping their children safe and healthy," stated Marian Stanley, Phthalates Esters Panel Manager at the ACC. "We believe that there is potential value in the study of metabolized phthalates. But we take great exception to any effort to draw unfounded conclusions that suggest human health risks are associated with the mere presence of very low levels of metabolized phthalates in urine. In fifty or more years of use, no reliable evidence has ever been found that phthalates, either alone or in combination, causes negative health effects in humans," continued Stanley.
This report produces data that are decidedly inconclusive. The value of the study is further limited in that it provides no information on the source of the exposure. It contains unusually wide ranges of values for the phthalates metabolites listed which only demonstrates that the values recorded are wildly variable and are inconclusive.
Stanley continues, "We are also concerned that the report mixes items such as toys and pacifiers with baby care products such as talcum powder and infant shampoo. It is disturbing that the authors of the study do not appear to know that pacifiers made in the United States are made of latex or silicone and are not made with phthalates. Due to the many shortcomings of this particular study, we do not believe that it adds value to the existing body of research on phthalate esters and we do not believe that should provide the basis for any specific recommendations or actions on the part of consumers or manufactures."
The Phthalate Esters Panel will provide a more in depth analysis and assessment of this study and post it our web site when available.
