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Children's fast-paced growth rate and porous skin increases
their susceptibility to toxins that can enter the bloodstream through
the skin's surface.
Why do you care?
- Kids skin is like a sponge - 30% thinner than an adults' and can
absorb greater amounts of chemicals from the skin surface.1
- Adverse reactions to the detergents in bubble baths include rashes,
skin irritations, and genital/urinary tract disorders, as the detergents,
like SLS's remove the protective coatings from the skin.2
- SLS can irritant eyes and children are particularly sensitive
to its effects. No more Tears?
- Some children's bath products contain 1,4-dioxane, a petroleum-derived
contaminant considered a probable human carcinogen chemical in amounts
that reach or exceed recommended limits. As it is a contaminant
produced during manufacturing, it does not have to be listed as
an ingredient on product labels.3
- Phthalates, hormone disrupting chemical, was found in all 163
infants in a recent study. Phthalates are elements of the fragrances
used to scent baby products. They are not required to list them
on label as it is protected as a trade secret. Sounds like a
secret alright.4
The Know How
- Use less products to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Of those you choose, read the label.
- Labels that claim a product is "dermatologist-tested, sensitivity-tested,
allergy-tested and/or non-irritating" carries no guarantee
that you won't have a reaction.
- Check out the Environmental Working Group new Safety
Guide to Children's Personal Care Products for specific product
information.
Know and Tell
- Patti is careful what goes in the tub as her childhood memory
of a burning skin rash from Mr. Bubbles lingers on.
- Tamey's Mother who was a nurse and a Mother of two girls always
advised not to give girls a bubble bath as it would irritate delicate
skin. So for the longest time poor Ally would only have a bubble
bath once in a blue moon. She can now have one as often as she likes
thanks to safer options available - see
product reviews.
Take a look at the Beauty
- Bath it e-Bulletin.
1. Safety Guide to Children's Personal Care Products,
EWG, 2007
2. Beauty to Die For, Judi Bance, 2001
3. Cancer-causing Chemical Found in Children's Bath Products Campaign
for Safe Cosmetics, Press Release, February 2007.
4. Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure
Sathyanarayana, S, C, et al. Pediatrics
121:e260-e268., 2008.
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