Toxic Chemicals Amount of Toxic

¶ … Toxic chemicals [...] amount of toxic chemicals in toys, and what consumers can do to protect their children from these toxins. With the advent of cheap mass produced toys in foreign countries such as China, there has been a growing concern over toxic chemicals in toys, especially after some prominent recalls of toys because of toxicity. Majorities of states have enacted laws to protect children from chemicals in toys, and the federal government is addressing the issue, too.

For decades, children's toys were simply assumed to be harmless. However, as consumers have become more aware of toxic chemicals in the environment, they have become more aware of the products they buy. Consumer agencies have sprung up to test children's toys for toxic chemicals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and bromine. All of these chemicals can be present in the body, and they can be extremely harmful. Many of these chemicals are used routinely in China and other countries in toy manufacture, because they are cheap and plentiful. A researcher notes, "China manufactures 80% of the toys sold in the United States, and millions of them have turned out to contain chemicals widely thought to be dangerous to children" (Boulard, 2008). To combat high chemical levels in toys, many states have enacted laws to protect children, but consumers need to become more aware of the hazardous chemicals in toys, and how to protect their children from these harmful chemicals.

Researcher Boulard continues, "Thirty states have addressed toxins in toys, and more legislation is being considered. State lawmakers are convinced they have to take the lead in addressing the problem, even though a new federal law bans certain toxins and increases money for oversight" (Boulard, 2008). The toy industry is concerned with state legislation, fearing they will have to create different toys to meet each state's standard. A toy industry spokesman says, "We think a uniform national standard is a positive approach so there is less confusion about what the rules are and how toys need to be manufactured, thus reducing the potential for mistakes'" (Boulard, 2008). However, critics note that Chinese toy factories already make toys without many harmful chemicals just for the European market, because they have much more stringent standards for their toys. Then, the factories create toys with toxic chemicals specifically for the United States, where there are not such stringent standards (Boulard, 2008).

Some of the most harmful chemicals contained in toys include:

Phthalates - these chemicals soften plastic and make it less brittle, and are used in a wide variety of toys. Studies indicate that they might cause cancer, and they disturb children's hormone systems, which can result in early puberty in children. A Web site notes, "Phthalates are very commonly added to PVC to make it soft and flexible; however, they can leach out of the plastic. Phthalates have been implicated in some health problems in laboratory tests" (Editors, 2010).

Mercury - is a dangerous chemical if children are exposed to it. It is often used in bath toys, and it can damage the nervous system and kidneys of children.

Cadmium - is another toxic chemical that is often found in lunch boxes and painted toys. It can create damage to the lungs, kidneys, and intestines.

Chlorine - high levels of this chemical are thought to be unhealthy for children for a number of reasons, including causing cancer. Chlorine is present in many types of PVC plastic.

Bisphenol -- A - this chemical is associated with polycarbonate plastic, which is often used in baby bottles and the lining of plastic food containers. It can lead to hyperactivity in children and it can weaken their ability to learn, as well.

Lead is present in a large percentage of toys, as studies indicate. A consumer group that tests children's toys and other products says, "Lead was detected in 18% (119) of the 669 products we tested. The current federal toy recall standard used for lead material in substrates is 300 ppm. This standard applies only to children's toys - not to any other consumer products. Three percent (17) of products tested had levels above the 300 ppm" (Editors, 2010). They include a list of toys and other children's products with high levels of lead and other chemicals on their Web site, and the results are startling. Some of the most popular children's products, from Barbie bike accessories to Dora the Explorer backpacks are included on the list. Many of the items are apparel or jewelry, meaning that children come in direct contact with the chemicals these items contain.

Some people wonder why there is such concern about toxic chemicals in children's toys. Exposure to these chemicals is dangerous, and can change a child's health. Children's bodies are growing and changing rapidly, which makes them more susceptible to any kind of toxicity. Young children also spend more time on the floor, playing with their toys, and they can continually come in contact with more harmful chemicals as they interact with their toys. They tend to put most things in their mouths, too, which increases the direct contact with toys and their harmful chemicals. "Lead toxicity destroys a child's mind, particularly those who are under 2 years old,' and whose brains are still forming, says Kahn, who is a cardiologist. 'And if the toy in question is a teething ring, that means it is going to be in the child's mouth all the time, which only increases the danger'" (Boulard, 2008). The editors of the Web site note that there are many toys that do not contain toxic chemicals, so creating healthy toys is possible.