According to the study, the substances include butylphenyl methylpropional used in beauty products, certain aromatic hydrocarbons, and glyphosate, a widely-used weed-killer – all of which pose potential risks.
The French government said manufacturers and retailers should see to it the toxic substances are removed from nappies.
“We call on manufacturers and retailers to take measures within the next 15 days to eliminate these substances from babies’ nappies,” said a statement issued jointly by the health, environment and finance ministries.
Glyphosate, which is off-patent and marketed worldwide by dozens of chemical groups, is in the process of being phased out in France within three years although farmers are exempt from the ban where there is no credible alternative to the pesticide.
