Bishphenol-A.
Phthalates.
No, I’m not talking about new Star Trek characters. (Although, if I was, would anyone be surprised? Probably not.)
These are the names of two chemicals commonly found in plastic, and they have been causing quite a buzz in several communities. Environmentalists, toy manufacturers, doctors, the media, and even the government have all been talking about them lately. In light of all that’s being said, it can be hard for parents to decide how they feel about it all. So, for the next few days, I’m going to talk about this issue. I’m going to objectively present the facts from all sides of the debate, and allow you to decide how, if at all, it will affect your choices in choosing toys for your kids.
First of all, let’s talk about exactly what these chemicals are, and what they do.
Bisphenol-A (abbreviated BPA) is an organic compound made of a specific grouping of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Common uses for BPA include baby and water bottles, tooth sealants, sports equipment, medical devices, CDs, and household electronics, as well as the resin coating that lines the insides of many different canned foods. It has also been used as a flame-retardant material and fungicide.
Phthalates (pronounced “THAL-ates”) are a derivative of phthalic acid and are commonly used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics more flexible.
Both of these chemicals are fairly common in childrens’ toys.
In my next entry, I plan to explore what the medical community says about the potential effects and hazards of these chemicals on the human body. Stay tuned!
