New Study Finds Lead Isn’t the Only Toxic Chemical in Popular Toys

[Omaha Steve]

http://illinoispirg.org/IL.asp?id2=41841

For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2008

Dangerous Ducky and Other Toxic Toys
New Study Finds Lead Isn’t the Only Toxic Chemical in Popular Toys

Read the report: http://illinoispirg.org/IL.asp?id2=41839

Urbana, IL – Results from new testing released today show high levels of phthalates, toxic compounds that have been linked to potential harmful health effects, in popular children’s toys.

On the heels of testing done late last year that found toxic metals such as cadmium and lead in toys made of PVC, the new testing for plasticizers known as phthalates shows that many common toys contain high levels of these toxic chemicals.

“These results show the urgency of passing legislation this year to reduce the threat to our health from common everyday products,” said Rep. Naomi Jakobsson. “If children can be exposed to toxic chemicals leaching from toys, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with current chemical policies.”

“Rubber Ducky isn’t so squeaky clean after all,” said Brian Imus, Director of Illinois PIRG, a consumer advocacy organization. “In this day and age, parents shouldn’t have to worry about toxic chemicals in the toys their children are playing with.”

The report released today and authored by the Washington Toxics Coalition, contains results from testing done on twenty toys commonly available at retailers including Toys “R” Us, Target, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, and dollar stores. Toys were screened for the presence of PVC using an XRF analyzer and then submitted for laboratory testing by STAT Analysis of Chicago to determine the presence and levels of 17 phthalates using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. All toys tested could be used by young children, including those under age three.

Key findings

* Nearly half of the toys tested contained phthalates.
* Most of the toys testing positive for phthalates had high levels of the chemicals, including a green ball purchased at Toys “R” Us, Target-brand penguin and “Baby I’m Yours” doll, and a dinosaur figurine from Wal-Mart.
* Some manufacturers may have phased out the use of phthalates. Toys testing free of phthalates included a doll by a European manufacturer as well as popular products by toy giant Mattel including Barbie, Ariel and Dora dolls, and Winnie-the-Pooh and Elmo squeeze toys.


FULL story at link.

[avenger64]

1. Take a look at this:

http://alternet.org/healthwellness/80129/">autoimmune disorders on the rise.

We've made our world toxic, and we're all going to pay for a long time. I think the rise in autism is probably related to the same sort of things. The right-wing wants the ten commandments up everywhere - how about 'honor thy father and mother (Earth)'.

[pleah]

2. They can't make money off of protecting the earth.

[avenger64]

3. They won't make money when the earth ...

... can't produce anything anymore, either. But that doesn't seem to be a variable of concern in the equation.