Christmas Toys with Hormone-Like Chemicals
Stores May Still Be Selling Plastic Products with Phthalates
Nov 22, 2008
Toys with phthalates can be still sold in stores during the 2008 Christmas season because the law Congress passed which bans them does not go into effect until February 10, 2009. There is disagreement between the chemical industry and consumer advocates about whether phthalates are harmful, but many parents are avoiding buying toys made with it.
Toys Made With Phthalates Effects
Phthalates have been found to interfere with hormone systems. Some studies have found that baby boys born to mothers with high phthalate levels are more likely to have small penises and undescended testies. Chemical makers disagree saying that the evidence is far from conclusive and that phthalates are safe [USA Today, 11/19/08].
Law Banning Phthalates in Toys
Congress passed a consumer safety law in August 2008 that bans phthalates in products made for children under 12 years of age. However the law does not take effect until February 2009. Legal counsel at the Consumer Product Safety Commission say that the law does not necessary apply to toys. The Commission's general counsel maintains that the law lacks a clear statement of unambiguous intent.
Toys with Phthalates Unlabeled
This Christmas season, stores may sell off their stocks of dolls, sippy cups and other children's products. Parents won't be able to tell which products were manufactured with phthalates. To find out, the consumer will have to call the manufacturer for the information. Some toys are dated, which may help. However, consumers could continue to buy toys with the chemicals for years without knowing it.
Toys to Avoid
Concerned consumers may want to avoid toys made of plastic or rubber, which often contain phthalates. Some retailers may mark down toys with high levels of the chemical during the Christmas season because the law goes into effect on Feb. 11, 2009 and they will want to clear out their inventories in 2008. Some retailers will phase out all toys with phthalates after January 1, 2009 but may still have them in stock during the holiday buying season of 2008.
Although the Phthalate Information Center does not agree that phthalates have an effect on the sexual development of humans, many parents are using caution while deciding whether or not to buy any plastic or rubber toys during Christmas holiday season 2008 shopping. Look for toys with labels on the packaging stating they are phthalate-free. Choose toys instead that are made with other materials, such as latex or silicone, both of which are resilient and easy to clean.
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