A new study reports that shampoo, lotions and powders put babies in danger as they contain chemical compounds suspected of causing reproductive and endocrine abnormalities.

The study involved 163 babies, most white, ages 2 to 28 months, living in California, Minnesota and Missouri. The researchers measured the levels of nine different phthalates in urine from diapers. They also questioned the mothers about use in the previous 24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams and baby wipes.

Phthalates are found in many ordinary products including cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies. They are also used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible. The substances are currently under attack by some environmental advocacy groups, but health experts do not know for sure what dangers, if any, they might pose. Therefore, the federal government does not limit their use, although they are restricted in California and some other countries.

“We found that infant exposure to phthalates is widespread, and that exposure to personal-care products applied onto the skin may be an important source. This is troubling, because phthalate exposure in early childhood has been associated with altered hormone concentrations as well as increased allergies, runny nose and eczema,” said the study’s lead author, Sheela Sathyanarayana, an acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Therefore, Sathyanarayana advised parents not to use lotions and powders on infants at all, unless a doctor prescribes them. Parents can treat dry skin in babies with petroleum jelly, which provides a protective barrier but is not readily absorbed. However, water alone or shampoo used in very small amounts is generally enough to clean infant hair. In addition, parents shall seek products labeled “phthalate-free” to be sure their babies are safe.

“Babies don’t need lotions. It’s the one time in your life that your skin is perfect,” Sathyanarayana said.

The study had a bad reception within the Personal Care Products Council, an industry group. Its chief scientist, John Bailey says the study is senseless, adding that only one of the phthalates found in babies’ urine in this study is used in personal care products, the USA Today reported. Some of the other phthalates detected in this study are not typically used in cosmetics, suggesting that children were exposed another way.

Spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration, Stephanie Kwisnek said it “has no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics. Should new data emerge, we will inform the public as well as the industry,” the Associated Press reported.

In addition, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the health effects in humans are uncertain.

"Although several studies in people have explored possible associations with developmental and reproductive outcomes (semen quality, genital development in boys, shortened pregnancy, and premature breast development in young girls), more research is needed," a 2005 CDC report said, according to the AP.

However, Sathyanarayana said that more research is needed to determine if exposing very young children to phthalates is linked with reproductive or other problems. The study was published in the scientific journal Pediatrics on Monday.