Chemicals Found in Baby Dummies Spark Health Concerns Across Europe

A recent investigation has revealed the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical associated with serious health risks, in baby dummies manufactured by notable European brands. The findings, released by the Czech consumer organization dTest, indicate that dummies produced by Philips, Curaprox, and Sophie la Girafe contain levels of BPA that may exceed safety limits.

BPA is a synthetic compound commonly used in the production of plastics. It mimics the female hormone oestrogen, potentially disrupting hormonal development in humans and animals. According to Chloe Topping, a campaigner with Chem Trust, the health effects of BPA are extensive, linking it to conditions such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and obesity. Topping emphasized that children are particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stages, stating, “exposure to bisphenol A at an early age or in the womb is linked to reduced sperm counts and early onset puberty.”

The study involved the purchase of 19 dummies from shops in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Hungary, as well as two from the online marketplace Temu. Researchers submerged each dummy in an artificial saliva solution for 30 minutes at 37°C (98.6°F) to replicate conditions in an infant’s mouth. Analysis revealed BPA in four of the dummies tested, with the highest concentration found in the Curaprox “baby grow with love” soother, which contained 19 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg) of BPA, exceeding the EU’s limit of 10 μg/kg for BPA migration from baby dummies.

The second highest level was detected in the Sophie la Girafe “natural rubber” pacifier at 3 μg/kg, while Philips’ Avent ultra air soother and another pacifier sourced from Temu showed concentrations of 2 μg/kg and 1 μg/kg, respectively. Despite being marketed as “BPA-free,” these findings have raised significant concerns among health advocates and consumers.

In response to the results, Curaden, the manufacturer of Curaprox, expressed surprise at the findings and confirmed its own tests corroborated the dTest results. The company has proactively removed affected batches from the market and offered refunds to customers. A spokesperson stated, “Out of an abundance of caution and in line with our commitment to quality, we took immediate action.”

Meanwhile, Vulli, the maker of Sophie la Girafe, defended its product, asserting that all items undergo rigorous testing by accredited laboratories before being marketed. A spokesperson claimed the detected level of 3 μg/kg is “well below” the regulatory limit of 0.04 mg/kg for BPA migration, deeming it insignificant.

Philips reiterated its commitment to product safety, stating it complies with all applicable safety requirements and conducts regular quality controls. Following the dTest findings, the company conducted additional tests with DEKRA, confirming no detectable BPA across its soother ranges.

Foshan City Saidah, the manufacturer of the dummies sourced from Temu, did not respond to requests for comment. The products from Philips and Sophie la Girafe are available in the UK, while Curaprox and Foshan City Saidah products have been removed from sale.

The investigations have highlighted ambiguities in current EU regulations concerning BPA in baby products. The EN 1400 standard sets a limit for BPA migration from baby dummies at 10 μg/l, while the European Toy Safety Directive allows for up to 40 μg/l. Notably, the EU has banned BPA in baby bottles since 2011 and extended these restrictions in 2018 to include containers for food and bottles for children under three years old.

Karolína Brabcová of the Czech environmental group Arnika criticized the lack of stringent regulation, stating, “It is illogical that bisphenols are banned in baby bottles but not in pacifiers, which babies use more intensively.” The findings from dTest have sparked a renewed call for clearer and stricter regulations to ensure the safety of products used by infants and young children. Parents expect to provide safe items for their children, and the current regulatory framework needs to reflect that priority.