Chemical Linked to Sperm Count, Obesity, Cancer Found in Dummy Tests
BPA Found in Popular Baby Soothers, Raising Health Concerns
Trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to disrupt hormones, have been detected in several brands of baby soothers (pacifiers) sold across Europe, according to testing conducted by the Czech consumer association dTest. The findings have prompted questions about regulatory standards and consumer safety.
The inquiry revealed BPA in soothers manufactured by Philips Avent, Sophie la Girafe, Curaprox, and Foshan City Saidah. While the levels detected were low, experts express concern about the potential for cumulative exposure and the vulnerability of infants.
Testing Results and Brand Responses
dTest’s analysis found that the philips Avent SCF085/60 soother contained 3µg/kg of BPA. Vulli, the manufacturer of Sophie la Girafe soothers, emphasized that the amount detected was “well below” both the regulatory limit of 0.04 mg/kg and their laboratory’s detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg, deeming it “insignificant.”
Philips stated that product safety is their “highest priority” and that they maintain “full compliance with all applicable safety requirements” and “the strictest standards.” The company conducted further testing with DEKRA, which also confirmed no detectable BPA in their soother ranges, validating they are BPA-free.
Foshan City Saidah did not respond to requests for comment.
Curaprox products have been removed from the market, as have those from Foshan City Saidah.The Philips and Sophie la Girafe products remain available in the UK.
Concerns Over Regulation and Exposure
Hana Hoffmannová, editor-in-chief at dTest’s magazine, highlighted parental expectations: “Pacifiers are frequently enough one of the first items parents buy, and they do not expect to be exposing their children to hormone-disrupting chemicals from day one.”
Current EU regulations regarding BPA in dummies are inconsistent. The EN 1400 standard sets a migration limit of 10µg/l,while the european Toy Safety Directive, which also covers soothers, allows for a limit of 40µg/l.
BPA has been banned in baby bottles within the EU since 2011, with the ban extended to food containers and bottles for children under three in 2018. KarolÃna Brabcová of Arnika, a Czech campaign group, questioned the logic of allowing BPA in pacifiers, given their frequent and prolonged use by infants: “It is illogical that bisphenols are banned in baby bottles but not in pacifiers, which babies use more intensively and in some cases for long years.”
Brabcová further criticized the lack of stringent regulation, stating, “We are seeing a lack of stringent regulation and it is indeed failing consumers.”