HOUSTON—Toxic
chemicals can be found in common baby products, according to a new
report released today by Texas Public Interest Research Group
(TexPIRG). “The Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products,”
documents toxic chemicals, including phthalates and polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories.
“A
child’s first few years are an exciting time for parents who hope that
their child starts his or her life happy and healthy,” said Luke
Metzger, TexPIRG Advocate. “Unfortunately, parents do not have the
information they need to adequately protect their children from toxic
chemicals. Our government should give parents this information, and
ultimately remove toxic chemicals from children’s products.”
TexPIRG
tested seven infant sleep accessories, such as mattress pads and sleep
wedges, for the presence of PBDEs or toxic flame retardants, and
eighteen other children’s products, such as bath books and teethers,
for the presence of a set of chemicals known as phthalates. TexPIRG
found that:
Three
of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained toxic flame
retardants in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n
Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years’ Air Flow
Sleep Positioner contained these chemicals.
Fifteen
of the eighteen bath books, teethers, bath toys and other products
tested for phthalates contained these chemicals in their materials. For
example, a teether made by Gund contained DBP, a type of phthalate
classified as a reproductive toxicant and banned in the European Union.
One
product-- Sassy’s “Who Loves Baby? Photo Book”-- was labeled
“phthalate-free.” TexPIRG research discovered two types of phthalates,
DEHP and DBP, in this product. These two chemicals are banned in
children’s products in the European Union.
TexPIRG
released this report today as part of a nationwide effort to draw
attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in baby products. More than
20 state PIRGs and Environment groups released this report.
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are a set of chemicals used to slow the
spread of fire. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health
concerns, including impaired learning and memory, reproductive defects,
cancer, and impaired immune systems. In addition, levels of these
chemicals found in the breast milk of American women and some fetuses
are approaching levels shown to impair learning and cause behavior
problems in mice. Two of these chemicals have been banned in nine
states, and the federal government has taken action to stop new
production of these chemicals. However, the federal government still
allows importation of products containing these chemicals.
Phthalates
are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve
flexibility and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the
product. These chemicals have been linked to premature birth,
reproductive defects, and early onset of puberty. People are exposed to
phthalates through everyday contact with household and personal care
products, as well as through contact with indoor air and dust. The
European Union has imposed a ban on three types of phthalates in all
children’s products, and has banned three other types from use in
mouthing products marketed for children under three.
In
the absence of government information and protection, TexPIRG
recommended that parents avoid allowing children to put
polyvinylchlroide (PVC) plastic toys in their mouths, instead using
glass containers for food and drink storage when possible. In washing
plastic products, parents were advised to avoid harsh dishwashing soap
and hot water, both of which speed up the leaching process. For a tip
sheet and other information, parents can visit www.safefromtoxics.org.
“Manufacturers
should be required to discontinue the use of chemicals that pose a
threat to fetuses, infants, and children, particularly when that
chemical is not necessary and alternatives exist,” said Polly Ledvina,
PhD, Senior Research Assistant with the Chronic Disease Prevention and
Control Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine (affiliation
for identification purposes only).
TexPIRG called on the U.S. government to:
Phase
out the most dangerous chemicals, particularly from children’s
products. Until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acts, TexPIRG
called on state governments to fill the regulatory gap and support
policies to phase out potentially hazardous chemicals as well.
Reform
U.S. chemicals policy to ensure that manufacturers and industrial users
provide the public with adequate information about their products.
TexPIRG called on Senators Hutchison and Cornyn to cosponsor the Kid
Safe Chemicals Act, which was introduced earlier this year.
The
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should protect consumers from
dangerous products by labeling products that contain potentially
hazardous chemicals, and then requiring manufacturers to remove
chemicals that pose a particular threat to fetuses, infants, and
children.
