Lawmakers have approved a bill that bans the use of toxins in children’s toys and products which will take effect in 6 months. Specific to phthalates, a toxin used to soften plastic, the removal of this chemical from children’s products is a big win for parents due to their potential harmful effect on the developing hormone system in young children, particularly boys. The European Union banned phthalates 9 years ago but it’s taken the US a bit longer due to resistance and opposition from the companies who provide these chemicals (1.4 billion dollars worth annually!) to the manufacturing industry, such as Exxon Mobil, who “spent a chunk of its $22 million lobbying budget in the past 18 months to try to prevent any ban”.
According to the Washington Post article that was released today:
The rare action by Congress reflects a growing body of scientific research showing that children ingest the toxins by acts as simple as chewing on a rubber duck. Used for decades in plastic production, the chemicals are now thought to act as hormones and cause reproductive problems, especially in boys.
It also signals an important crack in the chemical industry’s ability to fend off federal regulation and suggests that the landscape may be shifting to favor consumers. The movement to ban the toxins accelerated last year when California prohibited their use in children’s products.
Walmart and ToysRUs have already agreed to remove products containing lead, phthalates and other toxins as of January 2009. However buyer beware…the products will remain on the shelves through the 2008 holiday season.
Like this post? Read more about chemicals in children’s products by clicking through to the following related posts:
Ecology Center Toy Testing Report
Take Action Tuesday - Ban Phthalates
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