Warning about plastic toys

This story was on Channel 7 news tonight: Warning about plastic baby toys

Re: Warning about plastic toys

Thanks for the info.

I was watching the evening news here in Chicago and saw them holding up the "Sassy toy", but didn't hear what they said bc I was on the phone.

Re: Warning about plastic toys

For Release: For More Information:

October 12, 2005 Joel Kelsey, (212)-349-6460





New Report Documents Dangerous Chemicals in Baby Products




Toxic chemicals can be found in common baby products, according to a new report released today by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). The Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products documents harmful toxic chemicals, including phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), found in teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories.



“The report shows that dangerous chemicals can be found in common baby products,” said Joel Kelsey, NYPIRG Campaigns Coordinator. “Parents need to be armed with the tools that allow them to protect their children. The federal government should make this information readily accessible to parents and ultimately remove toxic chemicals from children’s products.”



The report tested seven infant sleep accessories such as mattress pads and sleep wedges for the presence of toxic flame retardants (PBDEs), as well as eighteen other children’s products such as bath books and teethers for the presence of a set of chemicals known as phthalates. The report found that:



Three of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained toxic flame retardants in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years’ Air Flow Sleep Positioner contained these harmful chemicals.
Fifteen of the eighteen bath books, teethers, bath toys and other products tested for phthalates contained these chemicals in their materials. For example, a teether made by Gund contained DBP, a type of phthalate classified as a reproductive toxicant and banned in the European Union.
One product – Sassy’s “Who Loves Baby? Photo Book” – was labeled “phthalate-free.” The report discovered two types of phthalates, DEHP and DBP, in this product. These two chemicals are banned in children’s products in the European Union.


NYPIRG released this report today as part of a nationwide effort to draw attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in baby products. More than 20 state PIRGs and Environment groups released this report.



Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are a set of chemicals used to slow the spread of fire. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health concerns including impaired learning and memory, reproductive defects, cancer, and impaired immune systems. Two of these chemicals have been banned in nine states, and the federal government has taken action to stop new production of these chemicals. However, the federal government still allows importation of products containing these chemicals.



Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve flexibility and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the product. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive defects, and early onset of puberty. People are exposed to phthalates through everyday contact with household and personal care products, as well as through contact with indoor air and dust. The European Union has imposed a ban on three types of phthalates in all children’s products and has banned three other types from use in mouthing products marketed for children under three.



In the absence of government information and protection, NYPIRG recommended that parents avoid allowing children to put polyvinylchlroide (PVC) plastic toys in their mouths, instead using glass containers for food and drink when possible. In washing plastic products, parents were advised to avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up the leaching process. For a tip sheet and other information, parents can visit www.safefromtoxics.org.



In addition to educating parents, NYPIRG called for government action. “When it comes to protecting children from harmful chemicals, the U.S. government must act to assist parents and ensure that the products on the market are not potentially harmful for children,” said Joel Kelsey, NYPIRG Campaigns Coordinator.



NYPIRG called on the U.S. government to:

Phase out the most dangerous chemicals, particularly from children’s products. Until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acts, NYPIRG called on state governments to fill the regulatory gap and support policies to phase out potentially hazardous chemicals as well.
Reform U.S. chemicals policy to ensure that manufacturers and industrial users provide the public with adequate information about their products. NYPIRG called on the US Senate to pass the Kid Safe Chemicals Act (S.1319), which was introduced earlier this year.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should protect consumers from dangerous products by labeling products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals, and then requiring manufacturers to remove chemicals that pose a particular threat to fetuses, infants, and children.






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Re: Warning about plastic toys

Thanks for the warning!

We have this album and she has not put it in her mouth lately (now she looks and points to the pics but she used to do it)



Something else that researchers couldn't believe is that one product, called Sassy's Who Loves Baby photo book, professed to have none of the harmful chemicals, when in fact, it did.