The use of children's lotions, shampoos and powder may lead to the entry into the body of the child of potentially hazardous to health compounds. American researchers found that with the use of this product, the phthalate content in the urine of children increased fourfold, according to the journal Pediatrics.

Phthalates have a hormone-like effect, suppressing the production of the male sex hormone testosterone. Previous studies have shown that these substances interfere with the normal development of the genital organs and can cause reproductive harm in both boys and girls.

Scientists from the University of Washington and the University of Rochester analyzed the content of phthalates in the urine of 163 American children between the ages of two to 28 months. In all urine samples, at least one type of phthalate was detected, and more than 80% of samples contained seven or more types of phthalates, researchers reported. In analyzes of children whose parents used children's cosmetics, they contained four times more phthalates, compared to those who did not use this product. The highest level of these substances was contained in urine samples of children under eight months, on whose skin lotions were applied, researchers.

Manufacturers of cosmetics usually do not indicate on the labels the content of phthalates. Meanwhile, these studies show that childcare products often contain a variety of phthalates that can enter the body through the skin, said study leader Sheela Sathyanarayana,. In their report, the researchers recommended that parents limit the use of children's lotions and powders and use them only for medical reasons.

Phthalates are found not only in cosmetics, but also often used as plasticizers in the manufacture of toys. Commenting on these studies, manufacturers of children's cosmetics noted that their products contained only diethylphthalate, and in very small concentrations. More extensive research is needed on this topic, experts say..

Medicinform. Net.