Parents Need Information to Protect Their Kids
CONCORD–
Toxic chemicals can be found in common baby products, according to a
new report released today by NH Public Interest Research Group. “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 NHPIRG
Field Associate Virginia Robnett “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.”
NHPIRG
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. NHPIRG
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.” NHPIRG 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.
NHPIRG
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. 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, NHPIRG
recommended that parents avoid allowing children to put
polyvinylchlroide (PVC) plastic toys in their mouths, and 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.
The
Children's Alliance of New Hampshire, an independent advocacy
organization, echoed PIRG's recommendations. "The most vulnerable among
us need the most protection from products that could endanger their
health and development," said Steve Varnum, Public Policy Director.
"While we hope toxic chemicals will be banned from children's products,
at the very least, manufacturers who use them should be required to put
that information on their labels."
NHPIRG 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, NHPIRG
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. NHPIRG called on Senators Gregg and Sununu 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.
