Mabuhay! Here are some more reasons to take charge of your health and your child's health! Really look at what you are bringing into your home for your little child to chew on this Christmas...
Banned Elsewhere, Compounds Still Used in U.S.By Marla Cone, Times Staff Writer
October 8, 2006
Although chemical bans overseas have prompted some manufacturers to
reformulate all their products worldwide, many toys and cosmetics are
exceptions.
Europe banned or restricted six phthalate compounds in toys. In
beauty
products, Europe has eliminated 900 compounds, including two phthalates,
suspected of causing reproductive disorders, cancer or genetic mutations.
The U.S. toy industry said seven years ago, when the European Union first
banned some phthalates, that it would voluntarily remove them from products
for babies and toddlers. But last year,
15 of 18 vinyl bath toys, teethers
that babies chew on and other toys purchased at U.S. stores contained the
chemicals, according to tests by the activist organization U.S. Public
Interest Research Group. One plastic book labeled "phthalate free" contained
phthalates.
Low levels of phthalates, used mostly to soften plastic, are in the bodies
of nearly all Americans tested. Animal studies and some human research show
that they block testosterone and
cause reproductive abnormalities in male
newborns.Federal officials have concluded that the low doses in toys and cosmetics
pose little risk. The Toy Industry Association does not track the chemicals,
saying "the choice to use phthalates in toys sold in the United States is up
to the individual manufacturer."
Mattel, which owns Fisher-Price, says all its products will comply with the
EU rules by the end of this year.
In cosmetics, some companies, including OPI Products, the largest maker of
manicurists' products, have kept nail polishes with the phthalate DBP on
U.S. shelves for two years after the EU's 2004 ban. OPI this fall changed
course and said it soon will be DBP-free to save the cost of making two
formulas.
Orly International, which sells nail lacquer in 66 countries, decided to be
"better safe than sorry" and immediately removed DBP from all formulations,
said marketing director Mia Jenner.
"If they remove it there, why shouldn't we remove it here?" she said. "It's
a no-brainer."
