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August 1st, 2024
A Consumer Reports investigation has found that 7 (out of 15 tested) brands of baby wipes contain potentially harmful chemicals, including some that may be linked to cancer risks. According to investigative editor Lisa Fogarty, many of these wipes are made of plastics that don’t break down in the environment, while others have a low pH balance that can irritate skin.
Consumer Reports suggests avoiding potentially harmful chemicals in baby wipes by opting for plant-based, fragrance-free, and biodegradable wipes. It’s also notable that heat can affect the chemical composition of some wipes and promote bacterial growth. The FDA has advised that extreme temperatures, from being in an overheated warmer or left in a hot car, can change ingredients in wipes so do not leave them in the hot car this summer.
Following Consumer Reports’ investigation, Costco customers filed a lawsuit claiming Kirkland wipes contain high levels of PFAS chemicals that are dangerous for babies. Costco has said it uses very small amounts of certain chemicals in their wipes as preservatives or skin conditioning agents. The full report of the brands’ Consumer Reports tested can be viewed here. If you believe your baby has been harmed by exposure to toxic wipes, you should contact an experienced law firm to explore your rights.
