Toxic and potentially cancer-causing chemicals have been found in babies’ nappies in France, an investigation has revealed.
Among the concerning findings was glyphosate, a chemical used in weedkiller which was last year deemed to have caused an American man’s cancer.
Experts said they found ‘dangerously high levels’ of substances which could cause harm to children and urged companies to stop using them.
The country’s Government has said it will give manufacturers 15 days to take steps towards phasing out the chemicals.
The chemicals’ presence in nappies sold in supermarkets was discovered by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).
The Government department published its report today and called for tougher regulations.
“Following studies carried out on nappies and how they are used, the watchdog has found evidence of several chemical substances at dangerously high levels,” ANSES said.
According to the study, glyphosate – a weedkiller – is among the chemicals discovered in popular nappies.
The World Health Organization says glyphosate is ‘probably carcinogenic’ (cancer-causing), although there is debate over whether it causes cancer in reality.
It hit headlines last year when Dewayne Johnson, a 46-year-old groundskeeper in California, was awarded $289million (£222m) after a jury agreed glyphosate in the weedkiller, made by Monsanto, had contributed to his lymphoma.
Other substances found in nappies included butylphenyl methylpropional, which is used in beauty products, and certain aromatic hydrocarbons.
The French government said manufacturers and retailers should ensure the substances are removed from nappies.
Source: Daily Mail
