The blood of 201 low-weight babies was analysed to check for chemicals found in cosmetics. Seven in ten of the babies had significant levels of the chemicals in their blood.

A class of chemical of particular concern is the phthalates. These have already been identified as a health risk, inhibiting growth of the foetus and also contributing to infertility in men. The EU banned phthalates in hair sprays and other products in 2005 but they are still permitted in many cosmetics such as deodorants and perfumes. They are also more widely found in paints and glues.

Of particular concern is their presence in plastics – including the plastic bottles which bottled water is packed in.

As phthalates have been found in significant amounts in the low weight babies in his study, it would be wise for pregnant women to seek out phthalate-free cosmetics or avoid them altogether (horrors!) as well as deodorants and perfumes. Also, rather than risking phthalates in bottled water, fit either an under-the-counter water filter or a ‘counter-top’ one which attaches to the tap. The latter is moveable and so is often better if in rented premises. (These water filters are much cheaper than buying bottled water in the long run anyway.)

Question: Do you percieve phthalates to be a significant risk to a pregnant mum – or it is just ‘one more scare story’ – and not worth worrying about?