PBS NOW did a piece on chemicals in infant, toddler and children’s toys. Of particular concern is toys for infants that will wind up in their mouths. In past posts I wrote a few blogs about chemicals (bisphenol A) in sippy cups, the negative health implications, and some safer alternatives that are available to buy (read about Toxic Sippy Cup Here). NOW makes it clear that this is a much bigger problem and that toys that your kids chew on and play with are often full of these same questionable chemicals. Even though these chemicals are banned in the European Union (and soon to be California) in toys meant for children, ‘there is powerful resistance from the chemical and toy industries to doing the same here.’
Phthalates help make plastic toys like some rubber ducks and teething rings soft and pliable. But scientific evidence suggests that exposure to phthalates (which are also used in dozens of other consumer items like, makeup, shampoos and shower curtains) may interfere with the sexual development of boys.
Watch the full video “Toxic Toys?” here. Just click on the picture of ducks.
Here is a useful factsheet on bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates (THAL ates) from University of California’s Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit.
The NOW web site also has a resource page to help you find non-toxic toys.
Leche, Baby! also has a post chock-full of toy recommendations.
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