Infants and toddlers may be exposed to as much as two to three times as much potentially harmful parabens from personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and soaps, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Parabens are used as preservatives in a wide range of products, and are easy to spot in products that list ingredients because they are found in ingredients that end in “paraben.”
More than 90 percent of the population is exposed to these chemicals, which have been linked to health issues in animals and humans, such as sperm damage, breast cancer, and an increased risk of asthma. Infants and toddlers may be at increased risk of the reproductive effects of parabens due to their increased reproductive sensitivity during the formative years of life. Pregnant women would also do well to avoid these chemicals.
The best way to avoid parabens is to look for products that are labeled as “paraben free.” Be sure to read the ingredient labels of the products you buy. If you see an ingredient that ends in “paraben,” steer clear.