As we saw in last Friday’s post, BPA and phthalates have both caused some concern in the medical community, due to the potential effects they could have on the human body. In response to this evidence, many government agencies have taken action in an attempt to keep these chemicals out of products that could expose small children to their associated health risks.
In July of 2005, the European Union banned six different phthalates from use in toys and childcare items. The EU had already had temporary, renewable restrictions of these phthalates in place since 1999.
Last October, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to enact a similar law in the Golden State. The California law bans the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any toys containing phthalates in the state starting in January of 2009. Toy companies in the area have just over seven months remaining to phase these toys out before the ban takes effect.
Other state governments could soon follow the Governator’s lead and adopt similar legislation; bills like the California ban have appeared and been rejected in Oregon, Maryland, and New York, and environmentalists have begun to push the issue in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. With California taking the first step, other states may feel more comfortable and justified in following suit.
As far as BPA is concerned, neither the U.S. Government nor the EU has enacted legislation to ban or restrict its use. However, the National Toxicology Program’s most recent findings have prompted another investigation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to determine whether or not the use of BPA is safe in toy- and food-related products.
Last week, Canada became the first country to label the chemical unsafe and could pioneer legislative action against it. Unless it can be proven harmless, Health Minister Tony Clement has stated that its use in products for kids will be banned across the country. He and Environment Minister John Baird handed out BPA-free bottles to parents following an April 18th news conference on the subject.
Large-scale companies have already made their choices clear on the matter: Wal-Mart announced that they will be phasing out all BPA-laced products and will have them completely pulled from their shelves by early next year. Toys R’ Us quickly followed suit, and rumor has it that Target stores could be next. In addition, Playtex, a leading manufacturer of baby bottles, has made the commitment to phase out BPA in all of their products by the end of the year and is offering a free sample of one of their current BPA-free products.
My next post will cover the reactions to this legislation from environmentalists and the manufacturers of these chemicals, as well as the toy industry. Additionally, if any of my readers are parents who are just itching to share their opinions, I would love to post your comments later this week! Tell me your reaction to the BPA/phthalate controversy and how, if at all, it has affected your decisions in purchasing toys for your children.
