We (mis)place a tremendous amount of trust in the producers of many everyday products like food, household cleaning products and so on. It has been my observation for quite a while that many dietary factors can influence children's behavior (just hang out with a teenager who had Coke and Twistys for breakfast for half an hour and you'll know what I mean). It hadn't crossed my mind that some very simple household products could do the same until I read a couple of articles about phthalates recently.

A recent study has found higher prenatal exposure to phthalates (found in many cosmetic products, shampoos etc.) to be connected with disruptive and problem behaviors in children between the ages of 4 and 9 years... see problem behaviors and phthalates

Not only this, but the same chemicals appear to be related to low birth weights which is associated with various health issues for infants. see: Low birth weights and Phthalates

Gives food for thought in regards to what we put on our skin and hair unknowingly doesn't it?