Overview
Recalls of millions of toys and other children’s products underscore a growing problem facing parents: Dangerous toxic chemicals are in our children’s toys and our homes, and parents lack the consumer information to adequately protect their children.
Parents shouldn’t have to be chemists to know what toys are safe. Lead, phthalates, cadmium and bisphenol-A are all a threat to the growth and development of children. Yet these chemicals are being used in toys, baby bottles and other children’s products.
• In 2005 a four year old boy died from lead poisoning after swallowing a toy pendant that contained lead. Even at low levels, lead causes learning disabilities and nervous system disorders. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatricians has called for lead levels to be lowered to 40 parts per million.
• Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic products soft and flexible. They are found in teethers, bath books and rubber duckies. Studies link phthalates to liver, kidney, and reproduction health impacts. The phthalate DEHP is a probable human carcinogen.
• Bisphenol-A is an industrial chemical used in baby bottles, food can linings—even for infant formula—and many other products. It leaches from these products and may harm children’s development; studies link it to cancer, early onset diabetes, puberty, obesity, and hyperactivity.
Several countries have already taken action, including Austria, France, Greece, Mexico, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan and Iceland. So has California—and at least 10 other states are considering legislation to restrict these chemicals this year.
Illinois PIRG is working with public health and environment organization to pass the Child-Safe Chemicals. The proposed bill will get the most dangerous known toxics out of children’s products. That means stopping dangerous chemicals before they reach the home, rather than rely on woefully inadequate after the fact recalls. The bill will also provide consumers the information they need to make smart choices. Parents have a right to information about toxic threats when shopping for their children.
