A child's exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to many adverse effects, including bone softening, kidney problems, liver toxicity, estrogenic effects and more, depending on the exposed chemical. The frequent hand-to-mouth movement we often see in young children creates a pathway for toxic chemicals in toys and other items to enter their bodies. The same is true of chew toys that are made for our beloved pets, who ingest the chemicals in those toys during play.
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Lead
Children, infants and fetuses are
most vulnerable to lead (Pb). Lead is a neurotoxicant that is harmful to the
organs and most systems in the body. It can be found in painted toys and
jewelry that has leaded metal clasps, chains or charms. It is used as a
stabilizer in some toys that are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, but
can leach out when kids handle them -- particularly when they come into mouth
contact. Although the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulates
lead in children's products, you can avoid problems by giving your children
unpainted toys, like wooden blocks.
Phthalates
Phthalates have been found to be reproductive
and developmental toxicants. They can damage the liver, kidneys, heart and
lungs. Rubber ducks and teething rings could potentially contain phthalates.
Phthalates are used as softeners in PVC plastics, but they are not bound to the
plastic substrate, so they can leach out when children are playing with toys
that contain this toxic chemical. The CPSIA regulates six phthalates in
products for children but, to be safe, avoid giving your child toys that are
made of PVC plastics. Look for items labeled "PVC free."
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is used in manufacturing
polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. We recently learned that baby bottles
(as well as some canned food and dental sealants) contained BPA, and some companies
might still be using it. This chemical has estrogenic effects and can have
developmental, neural and reproductive toxicants. It has also been linked to
diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to pregnant women may even have
an effect on the developing fetus. Look for toys labeled "BPA free."
Although the toys we played with as
children may have contained harmful chemicals, it is somewhat reassuring to
know that there are safer toys on the market today. Still, it is always a good
idea to research and read labels before giving new toys to your children or
pets, since not all toxic chemicals are regulated around the world yet.
Environmental Science & Technology Feature
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