Popular Baby Bath Products Alleged To Contain Carcinogens
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (“CSC) has issued a warning to consumers to avoid certain Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”) baby bath products because they allegedly contain undeclared ingredients that could pose serious health risks. For example, CSC claims that dozens of popular bath products for babies and kids manufactured by J&J contain at least two hazardous contaminants: 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, both of which are not listed on the ingredients label of the product.
Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens; formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. government does not limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, or most other hazardous substances in personal care products.
Both of these chemicals cause cancer in animals, and formaldehyde is also known to cause skin rashes in people who are sensitive to the chemical. The CSC alleges that Johnson's Baby Shampoo, the iconic brand used by families for generations, contains both of these contaminants - neither of which is listed on J&J’s baby shampoo ingredient label. The CSC also alleges that while a single product might not be cause for concern, babies may be exposed to several products at bath time, several times a week, in addition to other chemical exposures in the home and environment. The CSC claims that these small exposures add up and may contribute to later-life disease.
Of the CSC claims and its report, J&J said, "The trace levels of certain compounds found by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth," and the Campaign should stop "alarming" parents.
The CSC responded that parents have a right to know if the products they buy for their babies contain hazardous chemicals linked to cancer and skin rashes. The CSC points to other companies that it claims makes safe and gentle baby products allegedly without hazardous chemicals.
In response to the CSC report, on April 29, 2009, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Safe Baby Products Act, which directs the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") to investigate and regulate hazardous contaminants in personal care products marketed to or used by children.
If you have purchased J&J baby bath products, please contact us to discuss your legal options.