According to a recent study, expectant mothers' exposure to high levels of a chemical, called triclosan which is used in toothpastes and soaps, may bring damage to their babies' brains。
In the study, tests on sheep showed triclosan interferes with an enzyme that allows the hormone oestrogen to circulate in the womb. Oestrogen helps to keep open the artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to the foetus. If there is too little, this artery narrows, starving baby's brain of the oxygen it needs to develop properly。
Triclosan is a powerful anti-bacterial that was developed nearly 50 years ago. It is now commonly used in everything from toothpastes to washing-up liquid。
In the UK, the chemical's maximum content allowed in any product is 0.3 percent, and drug giant GlaxoSmithKline has phased out the use of triclosan in its products. But it is still used in brands such as Colgate Total。
But a spokesman for the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery Association said the study in sheep did not prove the same effects would be seen in humans。