- Unborn children may be at risk from the shampoos and
hand lotions used by their pregnant mothers, it was claimed
yesterday.
-
- A chemical commonly used in these toiletries can affect
the growth of structures in the immature nerve cells of rats, according
to researchers at Pittsburgh University in the United States.
-
- Methylisothiazoline (Mit) could also harm the developing
nervous systems of humans. The compound is used as a preservative in
personal
care products and, because it kills harmful bacteria growing near water,
is used in water cooling systems and in factories using water in
manufacturing.
-
- Elias Aizenman, professor of neurobiology at Pittsburg,
conceded that more work was needed but suggested that Mit inhibited the
development of structures that were essential for transmitting signals
between cells.
-
- "This chemical is being used more and more
extensively,
yet there have been no neurotoxicity studies in humans to indicate what
kind and at what level exposure is safe ... Based on our data, there very
well could be neuro-developmental consequences from Mit."
-
- Dr Aizenman said: "I would be particularly concerned
about occupational exposure in pregnant women and the possibility of risk
to the foetus."
-
- The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association said
Mit had passed numerous safety tests.
-
- "People use these products every day. There is no
cause for concern," its director general, Chris Flower, said. The
EU commission had been advised that it was safe.
-
- Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited
2004
-
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/
- medicine/story/0,11381,1367195,00.html
|
