Is your baby using toxic shampoos?

Recent research into soaps, shampoos and lotions designed for use by children shows that over half incorporate the chemicals formaldehyde and 1, 4 dioxane, which are believed likely to be carcinogens.

Traces of 1, 4 dioxane remain derived from the production process. Formaldehyde comes from preservatives in the products.

A Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) report called ‘No More Toxic Tub’ claims Johnson & Johnson and other companies add these chemicals to products.

CSC is a non profit organisation based in Washington, D.C.

Stacy Malkan, joint author of the report and co-founder of CSC said that many good products are made without these chemicals and many preservatives are used that are free of formaldehyde.

Research shows that manufacturers could simply manage without these toxins but federal cosmetics standards do not compel them to do so.

She is asking the government to introduce stricter regulation of personal care merchandise.

The Environmental Protection Agency categorises 1, 4 dioxane as a likely carcinogen and the European Union has banned the chemical from all products for personal care and has recalled some.

The EPA regards formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and it can cause bad skin reactions in those who are sensitive to the chemical.

In Japan and Sweden, formaldehyde is not permitted in personal care applications.

Parents suppose that when baby products are called gentle and pure that is what they are, said Democrat Senator Diane Feinstein from California.

She added that she would submit legislation soon making stronger control of the cosmetics industry mandatory.

She says that safe chemicals must be added to items that are in regular use

Iris Grossman, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson, said that the company’s goods are safe and comply or more than comply with all the regulations.

A spokesman John Bailey for the Personal Care Products Council, said manufacturers have known for a long time that shampoo, bubble bath etcetera have minor amounts of formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane.

He said levels have been cut back dramatically.