Toxic chemicals in baby equipment

Potentially toxic substances in baby equipment? They are used to make baby bottles, baby toys and other baby equipment. This topic concerns in recent years.

But where do these stories, and they should really worry about? BabyCenter is the point.

Update on situation

For some time, conservationists are concerned about the presence of certain chemicals in our environment. These substances created by humans, can cause problems by their persistent nature: they accumulate in nature, in our bodies, never completely disappear. Nobody knows yet what really are the long term effects of these chemicals on humans. But some scientific evidence that they already are harmful to nature.

How is my baby and myself can we be affected?

Some of these substances are used in the manufacture of baby equipment such as plastic bottles (polycarbonate), mattresses and baby plastic toys. Some experts are concerned that these products can be ingested by children, and build up to dangerous levels in the body.

Of what chemicals is it exactly question?

There are 4 groups of chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer goods for the home and for which environmentalists are particularly concerned about:

• Phthalates or plasticizers.
They are often used to soften PVC plastic, and are commonly found in toys. Studies have shown that phthalates can build up in the body, and tests on animals have revealed that they can prevent the normal development of reproductive organs. Until recently, they were used in children's toys, pacifiers and teething rings, but the European Union has forbidden the use in products intended for children.

• Organotins. These chemicals are used to stabilize PVC. They are found in PVC flooring and PVC toys hard. Studies have shown that they cause hormonal changes in animals.

• Bisphenol A (BPA). This substance is used in the manufacture of bottles. Some studies have suggested that this product interfere with the hormonal system. It is also linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. However, these links have not been proven with certainty.

• Agents ignifuges bromés. These products are used to treat clothing, indoor furniture, strollers, prams and mattresses, including mattresses for babies to make them less flammable. Studies have shown that they can escape from the treated surface and be absorbed by the body. We thus found in the blood and breast milk. These substances may interfere with the hormonal system. Tests on animals have implicated in cases of abnormal development, cancer, miscarriage and modification of the immune system.

How do I know if the products I use for my baby contain hazardous or not?

When juvenile products do not contain these chemicals, it is most often indicated clearly on the packaging. But for now, manufacturers have no obligation to mention what products were used. Nevertheless, the European Union passed a new law, which came into force on 1 January 2007, and called Registration requirement, Evaluation and Authorization, Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). This new regulation ensures that a chemical is harmful to humans or the environment is not used or sold in the European Union. If a product is considered hazardous and does not meet the requirements of this regulation, you will not find in stores.

Should I be concerned about the presence of BPA in baby bottles for my baby?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) indicate that BPA is used in an amount in the bottles harmless children. Experts use a measure called "acceptable daily intake" (ADI) to understand how much product we can be exposed without risk. At 3 months, a bottle-fed baby should consume more than four times the usual number of bottles of milk a day to wait before the threshold of the ADI.

Yet, despite the lack of evidence on the dangers of BPA, its use was banned in Canada in 2008. (Learn more about this on the site BabyCenter Canada.)
The same year, closer to us, it is the city of Paris has decided to stop using baby bottles containing BPA in its collective custody facilities on behalf of the precautionary principle.
In 2009, many users and consumer associations interested in this subject. They put pressure on the authorities to that BPA is no longer used in the manufacture of bottles.
In a press release dated December 14, 2009, INRA (National Institute of Food Research) said they have evidence that BPA has adverse effects on the functioning of the intestine, even used the "ADI" well below those recommended.

BPA-free bottles in France
If you are worried, know that more and more manufacturers design a range of BPA free bottles to meet the parents. For example, these manufacturers offer BPA free bottles (non exhaustive list):

• Brushwood
• Dodie
• Natiloo
• Cloud
• Avent
• Aubert

What can I do to protect my child?

Unfortunately, if you want to be sure that there are no harmful chemicals in the products you buy, it is often up to you to lead your inquiry! Here are some tips if you want to avoid these chemicals:

• Avoid toys made of PVC. If you buy, check with the manufacturer (by calling customer service for example) if they contain phthalates or organotins.

• When you buy a mattress for crib, check with the manufacturer if the mattress has been treated with brominated flame retardant that meets the French and European standards.

• Do not reuse the mattress for more children - buy a new one for each baby.

• Write or call customer service to ask the manufacturers if their products contain one or more of the products mentioned in this article.