Toxic Toy Legislation Bans Phthalates Used in Baby Toys

Christina Cole

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The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee passed legislation, authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, to eliminate a dangerous toxic chemical that is used in the manufacturing of baby toys. AB 1108 passed the committee with an unofficial vote of 5-2.

During the hearing, the bill was amended to include a ban on phthalates only. After It was agreed upon to focus on banning phthalates separately from concerns about bisphenol-A.

"Today we took an important step toward protecting children, the most vulnerable members of our society, from harmful exposure to toxic chemicals. Phthalates pose a demonstrable threat to the health of developing children. It is important that we act quickly to remove this threat to kids."

Sarah Jansen, MD, PHD, a scientist from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Cynthia Lee, a pediatrician at San Francisco General Hospital, testified before the committee on the need for the bill. During the committee hearing, it was noted that a number of studies on the effects of bisphenol -A are underway and set to be completed over the next 6 months. Assemblywoman Ma mentioned that she will pay close attention to the studies and vowed to continue in her attempt to remove bisphenol -A from toys and baby bottles.

AB 1108 will prohibit manufacturing, selling and distribution of toys under the age of three that contain specific phthalates. The bill delays implementation until January 1, 2009 to give the industry time to comply with the new set forth restrictions.

Phthalates are a chemical substance that is used to make plastic soft and flexible. They are used in soft plastic toy and other products like rubber ducks and teethers. Phthalates leach out of plastic over time and into the bodies of children.

Phthalates have been shown to have a number of negative effects on human health:

• Phthalates interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system
• Exposure may cause reproductive and genital defects
• Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty
• Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with the risk factors of testicular cancer