Carcinogens Found in Children's Bath Products in US Study

In a study commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it has been found that dozens of children's bath products sold in the US contain two cancer-causing agents. The products which were tested were chosen because they are the top selling brands.

Washington, DC - The two carcinogens that were tested for during this study were formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are "completely unregulated" in the United States. Formaldehyde is used for embalming corpses, used as glue in chipboard and is a by-product of a preservative added to the products to prevent bacteria growth and extend their shelf-life. The chemical, 1,4-dioxane is used as a foaming agent in various products. During the study, 48 products were tested and here are the results: > Of 28 products tested, 17 (or 61 percent) contained both chemicals > Out of 28 products, 23 (or 82 percent) tested positive for formaldehyde at levels ranging from 54 to 610 parts per million (ppm). > Of 48 products, 32 (or 67 percent) contained 1,4-dioxane in levels from 0.27 to 35 ppm. According to the report, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, L'Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 shampoo and Pampers Kandoo foaming hand soap had enough formaldehyde to trigger a skin reaction in those who have highly sensitive skin. In past studies, it was found that workers who were exposed to formaldehyde, the chemical was linked to cancers found in nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and in the brain, and is also believed to be linked to some instances of leukemia. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has said that even trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane give "cause for concern," while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health and Human Services have both identified dioxane as causing cancer in animals and as a "probable human carcinogen." Stacy Malkan of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states that "If chemicals are causing cancer in animals, we really shouldn't be putting them on babies' heads." Dismissing the study's findings as being "patently false", the Personal Care Products Council is accusing the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics of "preying upon parental worries." According to them, these chemicals are in trace amounts, below the established limits and safety thresholds, and do not feel that there is any cause for alarm. "When present, these chemicals would likely be found at very low levels precisely because companies have gone to great lengths in the formulation and manufacturing processes to ensure that the products are safe and gentle for children and also protected from harmful bacterial growth," the organization said. Malkin counters by stating that children are considerably more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemicals. The complete list of tested products along with the results can be seen here.