1. NR 107:Human Health & the environment
Toxic Toy’s
How industrial chemicals in Children's toys are effecting Their futures
NR 107:Human Health & the environment
March 20, 2008
Caitlin g. Kincaid

2. State of Chemicals & Testing Today
80,000 chemical substances synthesized since 1980
15,000 substances; approximately 5 tons/year are produced
2,800 substances; approximately 1,000 tons/year released into the air, water, food, crops, waste, etc.
Only 50% are tested for human toxicity
Less than 10% are tested for toxicity on childhood development

3. Toxic Toys? Says Who?
“For Parents, Toy Recalls Stir Fears”, The Washington Post
“Protect Our Children From Toxic Toys”, The Seattle Times
“The Chemical Threat to Kids”, AlterNet News
“Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Stuff” The Boston Globe
“Date-Rape Drug Found in Popular Children’s Toys” The Houston Chronicle
“More Toys Recalled Because Of Lead Hazard; China Says Improved Standards Are To Blame”, CBS News

4. What Are The Chemicals? Lead Chlorine (PVC) Cadmium Arsenic
There are four major toxic chemical compounds that have come to the forefront in this debate.
Each has varying degrees of toxicity and can effect exposed children in different, yet harmful ways.
It should be noted that, while not covered here, there are many other chemicals that are toxic to humans such as Antimony, Bromine, Chromium, Tin.
Lead
Chlorine (PVC)
Cadmium
Arsenic

5. Lead
Heavy metal that has been continually used in children’s products.
Used to stabilize pigments in paint, rubber, plastics and ceramics
Found in:
Painted toys and jewelry
PVC toys, bibs, backpacks
Shoes
No safe level of lead for children- even the smallest amounts effect their ability to learn
Effects of lead exposure in children are irreversible
Specifically impacts children’s brain development
Decreased IQ scores
Shorter attention span
Delayed learning
U.S. regulations limit lead in paint on children’s toys to 600 ppm, but there are no federal regulations for lead in vinyl or plastic toys, jewelry or other children's products
There is a voluntary standard of 90 ppm for lead in toys throughout the toy industry but as it is voluntary this effects little of the toy’s produced.

6. Chlorine (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or vinyl is a widely used plastic but has harmful effects during all phases of its life cycle.
Production Phase: workers and residents living around facilities using PVC are exposed to vinyl chloride and/or dioxin, both of which are carcinogens.
When burned can create dioxin and is not easily recycled
PVC is very brittle and needs other chemicals to help stabilize it.
Phthalates are often used to aid in this process.
Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to products.
They have endocrine-disrupting properties leading to birth defects and can increased risk of certain cancers
Lead is often used as a stabilizer.
Found in:
Plastic books, bibs, backpacks
Plastic packaging and toys
Plastic clothes and shoes
There is no current federal regulations limiting phthalates in children’s products

7. Cadmium
Heavy metal that is used as a stabilizer in PVC as well as for coatings and pigments in plastics and paints.
Classified as a known human carcinogen
Found in:
Painted toys
PVC toys, backpacks, lunch boxes, bibs
Health effects depend on the level of exposure
Studies in animals have shown that exposure can cause developmental effects, including decreased birth weight, delayed sensory-motor development and hormonal effects
Adverse effects on the kidney, lung and intestines
Bone loss and increased blood pressure
There is no current federal regulations prohibiting the use of cadmium in children’s products in the United States

8. Arsenic Present in both organic and synthetic states
Can be found in groundwater, seafood and poultry
Used as a preserver in wood
Found in fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides
Organic and synthetic forms of arsenic have different health effects which depend on the form and level of exposure
The synthetic form is a known human carcinogen
Lung, skin and bladder cancer, skin irritation, skin color changes, blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and hormone disruption
There is a voluntary migration standard for the amount of arsenic of 25 ppm. However, this is not enforceable.

9. But Are They Really That Toxic?
American consumers have become increasingly aware of chemicals in children’s toys due to the recent recalls such as the Baby Einstein, Barbie, Hannah Montana and Bob the Builder toy brands. However, skepticism has been raised into the validity of this anxiety.
Reports out of George Mason University have argued that children would have to suck on toys for upwards of 40 minutes in order for the said chemicals to cause any tangible effects.
However, as Theo Colborn and countless other scientists in a multitude of different fields have shown, toxic chemicals do effect humans, and children in particular. To ignore their findings would be folly.

10. Top 10 Toys To Avoid PRODUCT NAME CHEMICAL LEVEL (PPM)
Brush Your Teeth! Robot; Tatiti
23,788
Dinner Party Tea Set; Starletz
12,635
Starletz large ceramic tea set
10,062
Elmo’s Take-Along Card Game
9,997
Bugs Backpack/Bag; Tyrell Katz
7,132
My Pasture Play Set
6,733
Shoe, Style ; Circo
5,197
Fairies Backpack/Bag; Tyrell Katz
4,524
Construction Equipment Backpack/Bag; Tyrell Katz
4,514
Jessica (Collectible 11.5’’ Fashion Doll); Elegance Collection
4,300

11. What Parents Can Do Know the products that your children play with.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls hundreds of toys and children's products each year. You can stay informed of all past and present recalls by going to their website at .
Read labels and use the toilet paper roll test.
Toys geared toward children between 3 and 6 are required by law to have a choking hazard labels on them. Bring an empty toilet paper roll with you when shopping for children’s toys. If the toy or its accessories can fit in the roll, it can fit into children's mouths.
When in doubt choose wood or cloth toys instead.
Avoid toys made of PVC plastic. Reading the labels can alert you to certain chemicals present in toys. Avoid products with xylene, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

12. Sources www.recalls.gov www.healthytoys.org
Colborn, T., Dumanoski, D., & Myers, J.P. (1997). Our Stolen Future; are we threatening our fertility, intelligence, and survival?; a scientific detective story. Dutton Publishing, New York, NY.