Congress Bans Some Phthalates from Children’s Toys

Earlier this week, Congress agreed to ban several types of phthalates from children’s toys as well as to consider a future ban on other phthalates after further study into their health effects on children and pregnant women. (The above link leads to the Washington Post, which is a free site requiring registration.)

Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are used in a variety of products, including plastics and personal care items such lotions and shampoos. Research on phthalates has shown that they are endocrine disrupters; in other words, the body can mistake these chemicals for naturally produced hormones. Laboratory animal tests have shown phthalates can cause both neurological and reproductive damage. Boys seem to be particularly vulnerable to phthalates.

Unless the measure is vetoed by President Bush, the ban will go into effect on January 1, 2009. If you would like to contact President Bush regarding this issue, you can email comments@whitehouse.gov or call 202-456-1111.

Since the ban won’t begin until the new year, toys on store shelves this holiday season can still contain phthalates. For toys that are already free of phthalates, visit this section of Amazon. For green bath and personal care products, visit MotherNature.com.

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