The lot number and UPC code for the recalled product is embossed on the tube.

Lot Number: 0161LK

UPC Code: 38137-0036456

Date: January 27, 2012

Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson

Problem: This is not a consumer-level recall and no action is required by consumers. This recall is being initiated as a precautionary measure after testing of a product sample by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That test indicated that the lot exceeded the specifications for common bacteria, though extensive testing by an independent laboratory afterward did not show that specifications were exceeded. However, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. has voluntarily initiated this recall out of an abundance of caution. This action is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse events and the potential for adverse health effects is remote. Other lots of AVEENO® BABY CALMING COMFORT® LOTION are not affected by this recall and remain available. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA.

Action: Consumers who would like a refund or coupon, or who have questions or concerns about the recalled product, should call our Consumer Call Center at 1-877-298-2525 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time).

At odds with vaccinations is a class of chemicals known as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs are widely used in products and packaging to repel water, grease, and stains. Non-stick cookware, carpets, clothes, rain gear, fast-food wrappers, and pet food bags are just a few of the many products that are coated with PFCs. You might know them as Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, and Gore-Tex.

Experts have long been concerned about health risks posed by PFCs mostly because they persist in water systems and food chains for years, and because they are known to have elimination half-lives in humans of at least four years or more.

Previous research shows that the immune systems of mice are highly sensitive to such chemicals. And this week, a new study finds disturbing results in children.

Research
A research team led by Dr. Philippe Grandjean of Harvard University conducted a population-based study to investigate the antibody response to childhood immunizations. As Grandjean and colleagues explain, antibody responses to diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations are a measure of immune system function in children.

The study began with a group of 656 consecutive births in the Faroe Islands from 1999–2001. To examine the long-term antibody responses to the immunizations, the children were followed to the age of 7. Approximately 71 percent of participants (464 children) completed the study.

Researchers collected data on:

• prenatal exposure to PFCs, from blood collected from the mother during the 32nd week of pregnancy
• postnatal PFC exposure, from blood collected from the child at age 5
• concentrations of tetanus and diphtheria antibodies

Results
The researchers found that children with twice as much PFCs in their blood had half the antibody response to the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. In addition, they found a lower antibody response in children who had received combination booster vaccines containing pertussis, polio, or both, compared to those who received diphtheria and tetanus shots only.

In short, prenatal and postnatal chemical exposures were associated with antibody levels below a protective level. That’s concerning, Grandjean explains, because “routine childhood immunizations are a mainstay of modern disease prevention. The negative impact on childhood vaccinations from PFCs should be viewed as a potential threat to public health.”

“You can only lose a certain amount (of antibody response) and then you won’t have enough antibody left to fend off the disease were you infected later on.”

In a recent interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Dr. Alan Ducatman from West Virginia University, which has been part of a large study of C8, a common PFC, says, “These chemicals aren’t as frightening as some found in the environment, but they are clearly problematic.” Ducatman added that the C8 study also found some evidence of an effect on the immune system.

Consumers in the U.S. have reason to be concerned about PFCs, says Ducatman. Even though exposure to some [PFCs] is falling, there are places where levels are rising.

One of those places is China, says Grandjean. And that’s a problem for countries that buy products from China. “We may just be importing products with the same compounds,” says Grandjean.

Recommendations
This study raises the need for parents to make every effort to keep PFCs out of the environment, our homes, and our children’s bodies.

• Choose safe cookware and kitchen utensils. Cast iron, enamel coated cast iron, or stainless steel cookware are suggested options. Choose stainless steel utensils. If you want to hang on to one non-stick skillet, make sure the skillet is in good condition (no scratches or chips). You can limit the release of fumes by not pre-heating the skillet and avoiding high heat when cooking. (The National Resources Defence Council (NDRC) offers a shopper’s guide to pots and pans.)
• Forgo fast food. Concerns over PFCs are one more health-related reason to avoid fast food!
• Use real plates instead of paper plates. PFCs are commonly used in paper products and food packaging to make them grease resistant.
• Choose safe toys. Even trusted brands are made in countries where there are no restrictions on the use of PFCs.
• Choose products free of PFCs (without PTFE or perfluoro). You’ll also want to avoid microwave popcorn, stain-treated carpets or upholstery, and some personal care products. (Environmental Working Group offers a one-page fact sheet of helpful tips.
• Talk with your child’s physician. If you’re concerned about the findings of this study or the effects of environmental contaminants on the effectiveness of your child’s vaccinations, talk with your child’s health care provider. You may want to consider single booster shots rather than combination vaccines if possible.
• Stay aware of policy changes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has promised to eliminate the use of certain PFCs by 2015, but these chemicals and their health effects persist—for many years.

So, one might wonder how I managed to have such veritable penguins as these snow-mad children. It’s not as if their father is particularly fond of the cold either (although he’s usually willing to engage in a bit of sledding, snowball-throwing fun).

The season’s first snowfall found Sam digging out his snow pants and hustling outdoors to build a snowman. It was only a dusting of snow but apparently even Mother Nature bends to his preschooler determination. By the time Sam and his siblings came in for their usual warm-up cocoa, he had indeed managed to coax a snow figure into being. Sure, it was only about 8 or 9 inches tall. And yes, it didn’t last through the next day’s thaw. But it was glorious.

We’ve had more snow since then, and each time the children thrill in it. They watch the snow fall and countdown the minutes to sledding, snowman-building, and other winter activities.

Though I could do without the snow itself, I am grateful for the extra outdoor play. After all, fresh air (warm or cold) and physical activity are important for good health. Still, snowy days always gives me pause. I’ve written about winter safety for baby gooroo and so I am well aware of the risks. About 20,000 children end up in emergency rooms each year with sledding-related injuries.

But, since winter isn’t going anywhere soon, it’s time to review the winter safety rules with the kids—and then grab my scarf and get on out there with them. After all, I did resolve that this year, I would remember to “worry less, and laugh—with the children—more.”

Parenting four children between the ages of 42 weeks and 8 years keeps Heidi Green busy! Add in husband Michael, paid work and volunteer work, and life becomes a juggling act. Check in with us every week to find out how she manages (or not), and what she learns in the process.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from July 2009 through December 2009 for about $50

Date: November 1, 2011

Manufactured in: China

Manufacturer: Kiddieland Toys Limited, of Scituate, Massachusetts (Note: Disney licensed their brand name to Kiddieland)

Problem: The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Kiddieland have received one report of a 3-year-old girl from Ohio who suffered a facial laceration near her right eye.

Action: Consumers should immediately take the trikes away from children and contact Kiddieland for a free replacement handlebar with an enclosed rotating display.

More Information: For additional information, contact Kiddieland at (800) 430-5307 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.kiddieland.com.hk.

*New model Princess Trikes do not have figurines and are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Outdoor stores nationwide, Champaign Surplus in Champaign, Ill., Skinny Skis in Jackson, Wy. , Base Camp stores in Montana, and online at www.amazon.com, www.skinnyskis.com, www.thebasecamp.com, and www.MadAthlete.com from January 2011 through July 2011 for about $200

Manufacturer: Lifemarque, of United Kingdom

Manufactured in: Vietnam

Importer: Rock Gear, of Canada

Problem: The carriers were sold without bolts that attach the carrier’s main frame to the metal stand. Missing bolts cause the carrier to disconnect from the stand and fall backwards, posing a fall hazard to a child in the carrier.

Action: Consumers should immediately stop using the carriers and check to make sure there are two bolts on each side where the carrier’s main frame attaches to the metal stand. If the bolts are missing, contact LittleLife for a free replacement product.

More Information: For your information, contact the firm toll-free at (877) 922-5462 between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email the firm at customer.services@littlelife.co.uk or visit the firm’s website at www.littlelife.com.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1436.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from August 2011 through September 2011 for about $1

Date: October 21, 2011

Manufactured in: China

Importer: Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Problem: The plush frog masks lack proper ventilation. When secured in place across a child’s face, it presents a suffocation hazard to the child.

Action: Consumers should immediately take masks from young children and return the product to any Target store for a full refund.

More Information: For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide, catalogs and online from September 2009 through November 2010 for about $20

Manufacturer: Guidecraft Inc., of Winthrop, Minnesota

Manufactured in: China

Problem: The small pegs on three of the four posts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Action: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys from children and contact Guidecraft to receive a replacement or another product of equal value.

More Information: For additional information, contact Guidecraft toll-free at (888) 824-1308 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.guidecraft.com.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide and by various online retailers from March 2010 to March 2011 for about $16

Date: November 2, 2011

Manufacturers: Rainbow Force Plastic Products, of China

Importer: Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, New York

Manufactured in: China

Problem: The magnetic tip of the drawing pen can dislodge from the pen, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: Battat has received 19 reports of the magnetic tip separating from the pen. No injuries have been reported.

Action: Consumers should immediately take recalled sketchboards away from children and contact Battat to receive a free replacement sketchboard.

More Information: For additional information, contact Battat toll-free at (866) 665-5524 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Battat’s website at www.battatco.com.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1452.

Sold exclusively at: Family Dollar stores nationwide from September 2011 through October 2011 for about $5

Date: November 16, 2011

Manufactured in: China

Distributor/Retailer: Family Dollar Services Inc., of Matthews, North Carolina

Importer: BCNY International Inc., of Hicksville, New York

Problem: The animal’s eyes can detach from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Action: Consumers should immediately take the slippers away from children and return them to any Family Dollar store for a full refund.

More Information: For additional information, contact Family Dollar at (800) 547-0359 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.familydollar.com.

Sold at: Children’s products stores and other baby specialty stores from January 2009 through February 2010 for between $425 and $775

Date: November 2, 2011

Manufactured in: China

Importer: Dutailier Group Inc., of Quebec, Canada

Problem: The slats on the drop side can detach from the top and bottom rails creating a space between the slats. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of 16 reports in which the slats on the drop side became detached from the top or bottom of the drop side rails of a crib. No injuries have been reported.

Action: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Dutailier Group to receive a free repair kit which consists of a new fixed side to replace the drop-side of the crib. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

More Information: For additional information, contact the Dutailier Group toll-free at (800) 363-9817 on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m ET, and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. ET.