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Ask Dr. Sue
POISON IN PLASTIC TOYS
Dear Dr. Sue,
There were many articles written on the hazards of
phthalates in certain plastic toys. What do you
know about this? How can we protect our children
from harm in general, especially when everything goes in
the mouth?
Concerned
Mom
Dear Concerned Mom,
First of all, I'd like to admit that most of the
information I could find about phthalates in toys came
from rather biased sources, such as Greenpeace, the
group that was instrumental in bringing the alleged
problem to light. However, a number of regulatory
bodies have become concerned enough about the
possibility of danger from these additives to take
action. In fact, several countries (Austria,
Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Italy, Mexico, Sweden,
France and Germany) have banned vinyl toys altogether
due to the concerns that have been raised. The
Consumer Products Division of Health Canada has also
concluded that there is a potential health risk to
children
under one year of age who mouth these soft vinyl toys.
Their risk assessment concluded that "the potential
risk, though small, is judged to be unnecessary and
therefore unacceptable."
For those of you who missed the articles about this
subject, phthalates are chemicals that are added to toys
made out of PVC to make them soft and flexible.
The problems that are alleged
are that:
1. Phthalates are loosely bound to the vinyl, and can
leach from the toy into the moist mouth of the child
chewing on it.
2. A child sucking on these toys may ingest more than
the previously established acceptable daily intake.
3. Phthalates can mimic estrogen in certain
circumstances, so there are theoretical concerns about
reproductive effects.
4. The labeling for phthalates in scientific use
includes the following warnings: "may cause cancer;
harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if
swallowed; possible risk of irreversible effects; avoid
exposure; and wear suitable protective clothing, gloves,
and eye/face protection."
As Greenpeace points out, if a child plays with a toy
containing 40% DINP (the phthalate commonly used), the
label says "non-toxic."
5. Independent laboratory studies on DINP show damage to
the liver and kidney of laboratory animals in some
cases, effects on the reproductive tract, increased
incidence of some cancers,
and effects on development and metabolism.
6. As recently as December 1999, high levels of
phthalates were still found in bath and squeeze toys,
though they had been removed from toys specifically
designed as teethers. Since children chew on all
of these soft toys, the possibility of exposure remains.
7. Also, non-U.S. toy companies (except those
manufactured in the countries named above, still may use
vinyl and phthalates in their toys, and these toys are
sold in stores throughout the U.S.
So what can a safety conscious parent do?
-
When you buy soft plastic toys, look
for a label that specifically says phthalate-free or
"no PVC."
-
Consider buying from companies that
have "sworn off" phthalates, including Lamaze Infant
Development, The First Years, Turner Toys, Sassy
Products, Primetime Playthings, Little Tikes, and
Early Start. (Check out the website for other
companies.)
-
Buy soft nipples and teethers
containing silicone instead of vinyl. Throw
away any soft toys that are damaged or ripped, since
more phthalates can leach from damaged vinyl.
-
Remember other safety hazards when
you are buying toys, including the danger of choking
(make sure there are no buttons, bells, or eyes that
are small enough to be swallowed).
-
Avoid toys with sharp points,
including spears, bows and arrows.
-
Don't buy sand for your child's
sandbox unless the manufacturer can guarantee that
it is beach sand and not quarry rock, which may
contain asbestos.
-
Read and USE the recommended age
levels printed on toys. NO BALLOONS.
-
Make sure that soft toys, even when
fully squashed, are too big to fit entirely in
baby's mouth
-
Remove crib gyms and mobiles when the
baby can get onto his
hands and knees, to prevent him getting tangled in
them.
 
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