Chemical Linked to Health Risks Found in Baby Dummies from Major Brands

A recent study has revealed that baby dummies manufactured by three prominent European brands contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical associated with various health issues, including low sperm count, obesity, and cancer. The findings, conducted by the Czech consumer organization dTest, have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of products marketed as “BPA-free” or “natural rubber.”

Laboratory tests detected BPA in dummies produced by Philips, Curaprox, and Sophie la Girafe. According to dTest, researchers purchased 19 baby dummies from retailers in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Hungary, along with two from the online marketplace Temu, manufactured by Foshan City Saidah Baby Products. The dummies were immersed in an artificial saliva solution to simulate conditions inside an infant’s mouth.

Among the samples, the highest concentration of BPA was found in the Curaprox “baby grow with love” soother, which registered at 19 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg). This level exceeds the European Union’s legal limit of 10 μg/kg for BPA migration from baby dummies. The second highest concentration was in the Sophie la Girafe pacifier, with 3 μg/kg detected, while Philips’ Avent ultra air soother showed 2 μg/kg.

In response to the findings, Curaden, the manufacturer of Curaprox, expressed surprise at the test results. The company conducted its own tests, which confirmed the presence of BPA. A spokesperson stated, “Out of an abundance of caution and in line with our commitment to quality, Curaden immediately decided to proactively remove the soothers from affected batches from the market and to offer refunds to all affected customers.”

Sophie la Girafe’s representatives defended their product, emphasizing that they have not sold pacifiers for some time. They claimed that the amount of BPA found was insignificant, asserting that all their products undergo rigorous testing by accredited laboratories.

Philips reiterated its commitment to product safety, stating that it complies with all applicable safety requirements. Following the initial findings, the company conducted further tests with DEKRA, an independent testing organization, which confirmed that no detectable BPA was present in their soother ranges.

The findings have sparked concerns among health advocates. Chloe Topping, a campaigner with Chem Trust, highlighted the extensive health risks associated with BPA, including links to breast and prostate cancer, obesity, and developmental issues in children. Topping noted, “Children are particularly vulnerable because they’re still developing, and their organs are very sensitive to disruption.”

The current EU regulations surrounding BPA in baby products are somewhat ambiguous. While the EN 1400 standard sets a limit for BPA migration from baby dummies at 10 μg/l, the European Toy Safety Directive allows for a higher limit of 40 μg/l. Since 2011, BPA has been banned in baby bottles, and this ban was expanded in 2018 to include food containers and bottles for children under three years old.

Karolína Brabcová of the Czech campaign group Arnika criticized the inconsistency in regulations, stating, “It is illogical that bisphenols are banned in baby bottles but not in pacifiers, which babies use more intensively and for extended periods.” She called for stricter regulations to protect consumers.

As of now, the Philips and Sophie la Girafe products remain available in the UK, whereas the Curaprox and Foshan City Saidah products have been removed from the market. The potential health implications of these findings underscore the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of chemicals in products aimed at vulnerable populations, particularly infants.