Three Toxic Chemicals That Could Be in Your Child's Toys

Beware of toxic chemicals in toys

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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 Although there are laws and regulations regarding toys for children and pets, some companies still allow some of these harmful chemicals into their product. 

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. 

References:
Environmental Science & Technology Feature

Ways to Go Green With Your Pets

Go Green in 2014: Week 24

Fortunately, dogs and cats are lovable, because they can have a pretty big carbon footprint - or pawprint. Considering the resources required to feed the critters, it's no surprise that their environmental footprint is comparable to a SUV.

Please don't stop feeding them, though! Take comfort in the knowledge that there are at least a few things you can do to go green with your pets.

Ways to go green with your dog

• Choose natural, organic products. I have recently switched to washing my Maltese-Yorkie Mila's hair with Dr. Bronner's peppermint scented liquid castile soap, diluted one part soap to forty parts filtered water. Not only is it safer than store-bought shampoo, but the peppermint gives a boost in warding off fleas and ticks.
• Use biodegradable pick-up baggies. 
• Avoid harsh cleaners for doggy messes. Sometimes, our pets leave behind things we don't particularly want lying around the house. You don't need harsh chemicals to get these spots clean; choose homemade or green store-bought products instead.
• Walk to the dog park rather than driving. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you will get in some great exercise.

Natural flea and tick remedy: Peppermint oil

Ways to go green with your cat

• Filter your water at home. Rather than buying bottled water for our pets, we have a water filter built into the refrigerator. We use this water for our pets in addition to drinking it ourselves. You can also buy inexpensive pitchers with water filters.
• Go green with kitty litter. You can always shred newspaper to fill the litter box, but there are various green litter options that you can buy if you aren't that ambitious. Look for a kind that can be flushed down the toilet if possible. If not, use newspapers to create a paper bag for used litter, rather than plastic bags.
• Make your own pet toys. Rather than buying expensive cat toys, make your own using (safe) items found around the house, like empty toilet paper rolls. If you have old toys your cat no longer plays with, consider donating them to a shelter.

Pets with the smallest carbon footprint

Don't have a pet yet? If you're thinking about getting one, but aren't completely set on a dog or cat, consider one of these three pets with the smallest carbon footprint: birds, fish, and hamsters. Read this article to find out why they are so much more environmentally-friendly.

Do you have pets? What kind? How have you gone green with your pets, or how are you planning to do so?

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*Disclaimer: I bought all of these products with my own money, and have not received compensation of any kind to review them. All opinions in this article are my own.

**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider the various ways you can go green with your pet care and try to implement them into your life.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**