The dangers of toxins in children's products are in thousands of everyday products used by new parents who are trying to give their children the best start in life. But taking the time to do a little research on the toxins in children’s products can make a massive difference in your family’s wellbeing.

A recent survey by the Environmental Working Group found:

• 82 per cent of children are exposed to one or more known human neurotoxins through their use of personal care products. Neurotoxins attack brain development, and as growth and development of the brain continues for many years after birth, infants and young children are particularly sensitive to the effects of neurotoxic agents.
• 69 per cent of children are exposed to one or more ingredients that can disrupt the hormone system every week through their use of personal care products. These include parabens, to which 91% of children are exposed according to the survey, and triclosan, a common antibacterial chemical in liquid hand soaps and washes that can absorb into the body and can potentially disrupt thyroid growth hormones.
• 3.6 per cent of children are exposed to one or more ingredients listed as known or probable human carcinogens by the US government, including coal tar in shampoos, BHA in diaper cream, and silica in powders. Combined with news of increasing rates of many childhood cancers, this provides a call to action to prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals for children.
  
  More than 200 chemicals that are known to be toxic to the human brain are not regulated, the researchers said.

Toxins in Children's Toys Children love plastic toys that are flexible and bendable, and particularly love putting them into their mouths.Chemicals called phthalates are what makes plastic malleable, and have been linked to damage to the liver, kidney, lungs and developing testes, and have also been named as possible cause of some allergies. The use of some phthalates is restricted in the European Union, and California has recently enacted a ban on the chemicals in products designed for children under three.

The potential for toxins in children's products as it relates to lead use in toys has become a recent issue, with an increase in the number of imported vinyl products that often contain lead as a stabilizing agent. Vinyl backpacks, lunchboxes, and even rubber ducks have been found to have levels of lead that in themselves are not dangerous, but could leach out if a child sucks on it. Imported toys often have lead-based industrial paints used to make the colour more vibrant at cheaper cost.

Toxins in Babies Products

Bottle nipples, teething rings, plastic teethers, rattles and toys for infants that contain phthalates were taken off the shelves of several major retailers in 1999, and while many US manufacturers have committed to producing phthalate-free products that are likely to be put in babies’ mouths, parents should be wary of imported products that contribute to toxins in children's products.

Toxins in Children’s Clothing

Flame retardants, commonly PBDEs, are found in children’s clothing, particularly pyjamas, their crib mattresses, sheets and beds. Manufacturers began adding the chemicals in an attempt to protect children from the threat of fire. But a swag of research has shown that PBDEs are likely to do more harm than good to growing bodies. These chemicals are particularly well absorbed into the body and transported through fatty compounds _ and as children’s diets are higher in fats necessary to promote brain growth, the chemicals are more easily absorbed.

Environment California has tested a range of products designed for infants and children, and has published its results for concerned parents.

Toxins in Children’s Bedding

Some scientists believe there is a link between the chemicals in crib mattresses and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

"We spend almost a third of our lives sleeping on a synthetic mattress full of polyurethane foam and/or other petrochemical materials, covered with synthetic fabrics (such as polyester or nylon) and treated with chemical fire retardants and formaldehyde. These mattresses outgas over the years and emit potentially toxic substances that you absorb into your skin and lungs which may cause allergic reactions and a many other very serious health problems. Sleep problems, headaches, and asthma to name just a few."– ecobaby.com.au

The positive news from all of this is that some manufacturers are beginning to respond to demands for PBDE-free mattresses and bedding. Unfortunately, many are not and as a result toxins in children's products remain.

There are alternatives to the mass-produced, and often toxic children’s products on the market, with organic natural fibres the best naturally flame retardant products, showing that Mother Nature knows best.