Chemicals+in+Baby+Products

= = =__Chemicals In Baby Products__= By: Brooke Thompson, Natikwa Goodwin & Whitney 3/12/10

=**__Abstract:__**= We are researching the toxins in things such as baby toys, pacifiers, and other baby products.There was a recent study done by the group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC)and these were found to contain 1 and 4- Dioxane and Formaldehyde. These toxins were banned in certain countries and are known to be veryIn our project we are studying toxins that are in baby products. We're studying these toxins because they can be harmful to the growth of children as well as cause large rashes. These toxins can also be, harmful to brain cells. hazardous.

Chemicals in baby products can be to children. Chemicals in pacifiers, teething toys, baby lotions, and other baby products can have sever effects on children. Affects such as altering hormones, stunt in growth, developoment al problems and more. And although these products are easy to put in the product there no the best for the consumers of the product or the enviroment. Political we should band these chemicals and use alternatives but cost, and money play a major role in this as well. As well as getting a bill passed to band them.

=**__Background:__**=

Our project is based on toxin in baby products. Such as baby toys, pacifiers, and other things that babies come in contact with on a day to day basis. We decided to base out projects on this because these toxins can have severe affects on children and may cause health issues. Over half of children's soaps, shampoos, lotions, other personal products tested by the group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) were found to contain 1 and 4- Dioxane and Formaldehyde .This information comes from a report released March 12, 2009. The European union has banned these chemicals from cosmetics and other personal products. Formaldehyde is also banned in toys, paint, and when it is unnecessary in medication. This causes concern because infant and toddler skin is very sensitive and exposure to formaldehyde concentrations as low as 250 ppm may cause skin rash in children with chemical sensitivities. Formaldehyde was found in 23 of the 28 products tested. The highest concentrations were found in Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash, Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash. Our group would like to discover alternatives to using this and other harmful chemical in all baby products. We would also like to share knowledge and change the laws that allow the use of formaldehyde and other hazardous chemicals, such as 1 and 4- Dioxane, whether they be a solid, liquid, or gas.

=**__Chemistry:__**=

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong, very identifiable odor. It may form explosive mixtures with air and oxygen. As an important industrial chemical of major commercial use, formaldehyde is found throughout the environment. Formaldehyde is usually manufactured by reacting methanol vapor and air over a catalyst. Because of this formaldehyde contains trace amounts of methanol and formic acid. Formaldehyde is sold mainly as an aqueous solution called formalin. It is also used in its solid form as paraformaldehyde and s-trioxane. Formaldehyde is a necessary chemical in the manufacture of several commercially important chemicals, including methylene diisocyanate and amino polycarboxylic acids which are used in cosmetics, pesticides and textile coatings. Other end uses of formaldehyde include embalming agents, gasoline stabilizers, drying agents, preservatives in cosmetics, and biocides in metal machining fluids. In many animals and birds, formaldehyde has the same effects as in humans when ingested or inhaled. It can also create reproductive problems such as low fertility. In an aquatic environment, formaldehyde is very and somewhat persistently toxic as it has a half life of between a day and ten days. Toxicity to plants remains unknown.

=**__Human Health Implications:__**=

Health effects of Lithium are that it gives off toxic fumes and can cause irritation. Lithium can also cause burning when inhaled, shortness of breath, sore throat, skin burns, blisters, red eyes, abdominal cramps when ingested, nausea, etc. When ingested or inhaled, lithium can become very corrosive and it becomes even more dangerous. Overall lithium effects the respiratory, nervous, and digestion system. Aside from the health effects, lithium is extremely flammable. Lithium is a corrosive metal, in other words, it cannot be handled without protective gear, and over time, it will eat away at certain materials. It is not, however, as corrosive as other alkali metals. Lithium is a bio-accumulative toxin, in other words, something minimally harmful that builds up and contaminates an area. =__**Human Health Implications**__= Phthalates are used in soft rubber baby toys/ products such as pacifiers, and teething toys. This is harmful for children because phthalates are hormone-altering chemical and can be harm full to small children and babies. Phthalates also the cause of endocrine and reproductive system issues. problems. These issues cause developemental problems for children as well. ALso studies have shown in the long run that males have been effected by phthalates more than girls and that its known to stunt growth and cause major develomemental problems. This chemical is also used in baby producat such as baby oil in which it clogs pores, and is known to damamge skin. AS well as any product with petroleum in it contain phthalates which isnt good for babies at all. One last baby product would be baby pouder which contain talc which is a type of soft rock that isnt good for children as well.

=**__Environmental/Political/Economical Implication:__**= When Formaldehyde is in a gaseous form, since it is able to float in our atmosphere, it doesnt degrade. When it is is a solid form, it is melted down into a liquid and then dumped. When it is in a liquid form, it has a half life of ten days. If Formaldehyde were banned, less children would have to experience large rashes, coughing bouts, and other side effects. The current cost of a ton of Formaldehyde is about $151, to replace it with a biodegradable, organic compound would cost about $150 a ton. The United States and Australia export Formaldehyde. If a banned were to be placed, then less children would have to suffer and we could possible reduce the countries deficit. The new organic compound would have to be passed and approved by congress.

=**__Summary:__**= = =

The cost of Dioxane and Formaldehyde is fairly low. Companies use Formaldehyde because it is cheaper to use in their product than any other materials than can be a safer alternate. Alternative products such as PVA (polyvinyl acetate adhesives) in the past was thought to cost as much as 50-60 percent more than formaldehyde. Now, the price gap has been changed to about 30 percent. COmpany prefer the unhealthy toxin, because it saves them much more money than to use the ingredient that is safer. In the business world everything is about money. Although formaldehyde has been tested many of times, and has been named unhealthy it is still being used. Companies care more about their income than the do about our health. So there fore, the conclusion is we must stop supporting these companies that include these unhealthy toxins in their products.

PSA:

=__**Citations:**__= 1. Jacqueline, Tourville. (2009). Toxin ALert: Are your Baby's Bath Products Safe. Babyzone. Retrieved (2010, March 8) from @http://www.babyzone.com/safety/article/toxins-baby-bath-products 2. R.E., Gosselin. (2008). Formaldehyde: Health and Safety Guide. United nations environment programme. Retrieved (2010, March 8) from @http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/hsg057.htm 3. CDC Info,. (2008). Medical Management Guidlines for Formaldehyde. Medical management guidelines. Retrieved (2010, March 8) from @http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mhmi/mmg111.html