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Are our unborn children at risk?

Concerns over the safety of chemicals used in beauty products have extended beyond what might be harmful for us to what might affect the health of future generations. Some experts believe that cosmetics used by the pregnant woman could damage her unborn chid.

Chem Trust Director Elizabeth Salter-Green said: "Some products might not be good for the foetus developing in utero particularly if it happens to be a male because so many products appear to mimic female oestrogen. During the critical window of development, between week 8 and 12, all the cells are laid down that will make a baby boy a robust virile man later in life.

"If that window opportunity when you hardly even know you're pregnant is mucked up that can lead to birth defects of the penis and genitalia when he's born, lower sperm counts when he's 18 and a higher degree of risk of testicular cancer in later life."

However, The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association Director General Dr Flower said: "There is no reason why a pregnant woman should not use the same cosmetics as she did before. The safety assessment required for every product takes account of the fact that cosmetics may be used by pregnant women even before they are aware they are pregnant."

Laureen Benton of WEN believes that women should think about what products they use during pregnancy:

Independent health consultant Helen Lynn suggests that women should be cutting down on cosmetics long before pregnancy.

She said: "By the time you're pregnant it's almost too late. Chemicals can be stored in our fat tissue and build up in the body. Pregnant women should avoid fragrance like the plague because it definitely increases the baby's sensitivities. There are also certain oils for stretch marks that contain parabens and phthalates."

Whilst working at WEN Helen Lynn voiced her concern to several companies using phthalates. Some were surprised to learn that the chemicals were present in their products as phthalates can be a result of contamination which manufacturers may not be aware of. Most of the manufacturers approached told WEN only legislation or consumer pressure would make them change their ingredients.

Elizabeth Salter-Green added: "Legislation currently asks if a product is bad for you, if it isn't bad for you it's probably alright but legislation needs to ask now if it's bad for the pregnant mum because it's the foetus in utero which of all the spectrum of our population is the most vulnerable."