Personal Injury Law

Consumer Groups Pushing J&J To Remove Chemicals From Baby Shampoo

By Chrissie Cole

A coalition of organizations has asked Johnson & Johnson to remove two chemicals considered probable human carcinogens, from its baby shampoo and other personal care products.

More than 40 parent, health care and environmental groups, including the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, MomsRising, American Nurses Association and the Environmental Working Group are pushing for the removal 1,4-dioxane and Quaternium-15 by the end of the year.

In March, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released test results that found several children's bath products contain formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane – and, in many cases, both.

These chemicals, known to cause cancer and skin allergies, are anything but safe and gentle and completely unregulated.

'Trace levels of certain compounds that were noted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. Many regulatory agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe," said J&J spokesman Bill Price in a response.

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane chemicals are not disclosed on product labels because they're contaminants, not ingredients, and therefore are exempt from labeling laws.

Pick products that contain fewer ingredients and no synthetic dyes or fragrances.

Search EWG's cosmetic safety database to learn more about the products you use and to find safer alternatives.

Take action - tell Congress to give the FDA the authority it needs to ensure that all cosmetics, from baby shampoo to lipstick to body lotion, are truly safe.

For more information, read the report 'No More Toxic Tub', released by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on May 28, 2009 (boomark / email).