As Green Baby Day approaches on June 12, the Women's Environmental Network is sounding the alarm on the presence of toxic chemicals in baby products and calling for a "sustainable and toxic-free future for babies and children." The charity's annual Green Baby survey has revealed a startling level of concern among parents, with 90% expressing worry that toxic chemicals could harm their baby's health.
The survey results paint a clear picture of parental anxiety and a desire for government action. An overwhelming 89% of respondents believe that harmful chemicals in baby products should be banned, while 11% assumed such a ban was already in place. Furthermore, 77% of parents feel that the UK government is not doing enough to protect consumers from these dangerous substances.
Parents' top concerns regarding their children's health include exposure to toxic chemicals, air pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Wen emphasizes the vulnerability of newborn babies, whose skin is five times thinner than adult skin, making it more permeable and susceptible to absorbing chemicals. The charity also notes that a baby's sweat glands and sebaceous glands are still developing during the first two years of life, leaving them more prone to bacteria, sensitivity, and dryness.
The campaign is urging for toxic chemicals, particularly those found in baby products, to be placed on the public health agenda. Wen is also calling on governments and companies to take responsibility for safeguarding the health of consumers. The charity's expert health advisor, Helen Lynn, warns that we are "sleepwalking into the next health emergency" by ignoring the clear link between exposure to toxic chemicals and adverse health impacts on babies and children.
Lynn stresses the sensitivity of the developing fetus to even minute levels of certain chemicals, which can lead to cancers, birth defects, and reduced fertility. She also points out that the UK is lagging behind in the regulation of toxic chemicals, leaving British citizens less protected than their EU counterparts.
Weleda, a natural cosmetics company supporting Green Baby Day, shares Wen's concerns. Jayn Sterland, Weleda's UK Managing Director, highlights the potential risks of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) found in personal care products. These chemicals can negatively impact hormones and affect future generations. Sterland cites the example of triclosan, an EDC found in some antibacterial washes and oral care products, which can cross the placenta and pose a risk during pregnancy.
To raise awareness and spark change, Wen is hosting a discussion panel on June 12 at Amnesty International in London. The panel, titled "Why aren't toxic chemicals on the public health agenda," will feature experts from various fields, including obstetrics, children's rights, and advocacy. The speakers will address the urgent need to prioritize the issue of toxic chemicals and their impact on public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like babies and children.
en emphasizes the vast number of chemicals in regular commercial use, many of which lack comprehensive health and safety information. These chemicals have the potential to harm health, fertility, and the well-being of future generations. The charity highlights recent examples, such as the presence of microplastics in baby feces and the discovery of 109 toxic chemicals in maternal and umbilical cord blood.
The campaign also draws attention to the increasing difficulty couples face in conceiving, with sperm counts more than halving in the last 40 years. This alarming decline underscores the urgent need for action to protect reproductive health and the health of future generations.
