Behind the reassuring labels that are found on most baby products that you buy could be something hazardous that could harm your baby. While most assume that any product put on the market for babies is safe to use, the truth is, there are a handful of companies manufacturing products that are the exact opposite. And if your baby has suffered after using an unsafe product you were convinced was harmless, you may have a product liability case on your hands and could potentially recover compensation for your child’s pain and suffering.
What are some toxic agents found in many baby products that have been deemed “safe” to use?
Although there are a number of different categories that baby products can fall into (i.e. toys, clothing, etc.) there are many different products in the personal care category that can cause serious harm to your baby. Now, these products can be deceiving as companies have called in their best marketers to help sell them so it is up to you to keep an eye out for any ingredients that might indicate a product isn’t the best choice for your little one. Fox News released an article back in 2016 that highlighted some of the “biggest toxic offenders” found in some of these products which we are going to share with you below.
- Products that have a fragrance. According to experts, “fragrance is linked to allergies, skin irritation, and eczema and can be toxic to various organs in the body.” Aside from causing a baby to suffer from any one of these conditions, experts also say that the term fragrance can be used to “mask hundreds of other dangerous chemicals in the product.”
- Phthalates and parabens. These are chemicals “that are used as preservatives in personal care products like baby shampoos and lotions.” Phthalates have been “linked to endocrine disruption” which means it could potentially cause “reproductive problems, allergies, asthma, and even cancer.” Parabens, which is another class of chemicals, have been linked to “reproductive problems, developmental disorders, endometriosis, skin irritation, and cancer.”
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Formaldehyde “is a preservative that is added to water-based products to prevent mold from forming” and has been known to cause those exposed to it to suffer from “allergy-like reactions including respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea.”
- 1,4-Dioxane. This is generally found in bath products and liquid soap but isn’t found on the label of these products as it is a chemical byproduct, points out the experts. Because it is linked to “organ toxicity and skin allergies,” look out for products that contain sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, and chemicals listed as xynol, ceteareth, and oleth.”
- Vitamin A and Oxybenzone. Vitamin A in certain forms can “speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions” so it is best to avoid products that contain it as well as “retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinoic acid.” Any product that contains oxybenzone can also be harmful as this chemical is recognized as “an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to endometriosis and reproductive problems.”
Now, if your child has suffered from an injury or medical condition caused by a hazardous product that didn’t provide a warning, consider consulting with one of the Iowa personal injury attorneys at Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. to find out whether you can take legal action against the company. Because companies are protected by certain laws, it can be challenging to file suit against them, so it is best you have a team of experienced personal injury attorneys working by your side.
If you would like to learn more about filing a product liability lawsuit in the state of Iowa against a company that sold you a harmful product, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. is located at:
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
