"Controversy over the health impact of phthalates, which are compounds or esters of phthalic acid, has raged for years in Europe and the US, but debate has been muted in Australia. That is about to change with the Federal Government's industrial chemical regulator, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, or NICNAS, due to release a hazard toxicity assessment for 24 phthalate chemicals." The Age.com.au

Australians have been putting pressure on the authorities to look closely at the chemicals used in our babies skin care. One of those chemicals that can be avoided is known as phthalates, the potentially dangerous chemical is found in children's toys and items such as teething rings, rubber ducks and squeaky bath toys, as well as shampoos, powders, cosmetics and nail polish

What is clear is that studies have linked pthalates in skin care products particularly shampoos, lotions and powders to abnormal reropductive devlopment in babies that can have effects much later in life, including reduced fertility and testicular abnormalities, according to a report conducted by the Environmental Working Group. Some researchers have also found that one phthalate, known as DEHP, causes tumours and other abnormalities in the livers of both rats and mice.

New independent research has put proof to choosing 100% phthalate free products for your baby. The study published in the Paediatrics Journal, Feb 2008 suggests babies could be at risk using the vast majority of baby care - lotions, powders, shampoos. “Infant exposure to lotions, powder, and shampoo were significantly associated with increased urinary concentrations of…phthalates, these associations increased with the number of products used. This association was strongest in young infants, who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area.”

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals often used to soften PVC plastic and make it more flexible or commonly as synthetic fragrances. Recent studies have shown that phthalates are also xenoestrogens—chemicals which can mimic the effect of the hormone 'estrogen' on the body. In male infants, exposure to xenoestrogens (which Phthalates are one type) can cause abnormal development of the reproductive system. In females, it is thought to be linked to early onset puberty.

Skin care companies are required to list their ingredients on the packaging, but they don’t have to disclose the exact ingredients used in any synthetic fragrances, nor do they have to provide any mention of phthalates that is used in their packaing. What is most alarming is that Phthalates are banned in Europe in baby skin care and toys and many states in the USA are calling for the same bans but in Australia there is no such ban.

The new NICNAS report is a step in the right direction for parents in Australia having these risks clearly marked so that they have the choice. This report is however a hazard report that simply states which phthalates are worse than others, not that any phthalates are safe to be used. The overwhelming evidence that supports the dangers of all phthalates is supported by many endocrine specialists and researchers around the world.

We at Belli skin care have started a campaign to demand tough new laws for mandatory labelling of phthalates on all baby products. This will allow for parents to have an informed choice of what is acutally in the skin care they choose for their babies.

We will keep you up to date both in the "Belli Blog" and "In the News" with the latest information and research as it comes to hand about phthalates and hopefully bring you the news that the government has approved labelling of phthalates on all baby products in Australia.

Have your say about phthalates in our forum and join other mums and dads in the discussion.