Chemicals of Concern
Chlorine (PVC)
Detection of chlorine in a toy component indicates the likely use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl, a widely used type of plastic. PVC is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle.
During the production phase, workers at PVC facilities, as well as residents in surrounding areas, may be exposed to vinyl chloride (a building block of PVC) and/or dioxin (an unwanted byproduct of PVC production), both of which are carcinogens. At the end of a product's life, PVC can create dioxin when burned. PVC is not easily recycled.
Lead and other heavy metals are sometimes used as a stabilizer or to impart other properties to PVC plastic.
Because PVC is an inherently brittle material, it requires additives to make it flexible and to impart other desired properties. Another group of additives commonly found in PVC products are phthalates. Phthalates are used in many plastics, especially PVC products, as a softening agent to make the plastic flexible. Over 90% of all phthalates are used in PVC products. However, there is evidence that toy manufacturers are shifting away from the use of phthalates. The CPSC will also begin regulating six phthalates in children’s products in 2009, and may choose to increase this number in the future.
Phthalates
Phthalates [pronounced thal-ates] are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to many consumer products. Of particular concern are di-2-ethylhexyl (DEHP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and very likely diethyl phthalate (DEP). DEHP and BBP are primarily used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based plastics, as well as other flexible plastics, and found in tablecloths, furniture, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, wall papers, garden hoses, inflatable swimming pools, plastic clothing such as raincoats, children's toys, automobile upholstery and tops, medical tubing, and blood storage bags. DEP and DBP are used in non-plastic consumer items as fixatives, detergents, lubricating oils, and solvents and can be found in carpets, paints, glue, insect repellents, time release capsules, and personal care products such as soap, shampoo, hair spray, nail polish, deodorants, and fragrances. Congress took action on six phthalates due to concerns about their toxicity. As of February 2009, childcare products (products for children under three years of age) and children’s toys (toys produced for children under twelve years of age) containing concentrations of DEHP, BBP, and DBP greater than 0.1% will be considered banned hazardous materials. DINP, DnOP (di-n-octyl), and DIDP (diisodecyl) in concentrations greater than 0.1% will be placed on a provisional ban (CPSIA 2008) unless there is a future determination of safety.
Health Effects of PVC Additives: Phthalates
Depending on the level of exposure, phthalates have been linked to:
- Phthalates are a group of chemicals, some of which have endocrine-disrupting properties, meaning that they can disturb normal hormonal processes, often at low levels of exposure. (IEPA 2000).
- Exposure to phthalates is linked to birth defects of the genitals and altered levels of reproductive hormones in baby boys. An increased breast cancer risk is also suspected (Main 2006, Swan 2005, Marsee 2006). Phthalates in building products have also been linked to asthma. (Mendell, 2007).
- Human testing by the federal government finds phthalates in almost all of the population, with the highest levels in children ages 6 to 11 years and in women (CDC 2005 Indoor Air). DINP (one type of phthalate) is commonly used as an additive in children’s toys. Studies have demonstrated possible links between DINP and adverse impacts on the reproductive system, kidneys, liver, and blood.
- In vitro maternal exposure to DEHP has been correlated to improper brain development in fetal rats. (Xu 2007).
- Exposure to DEHP can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors in the liver (Ito 2007).
Current Regulations
- As of February 2009, childcare products (products for children under three years of age) and children’s toys (toys produced for children under twelve years of age) containing concentrations of DEHP, BBP, and DBP greater than 0.1% will be considered banned hazardous materials. DINP, DnOP (di-n-octyl), and DIDP (diisodecyl) in concentrations greater than 0.1% will be placed on a provisional ban (CPSIA, 2008) unless there is a future determination of safety.
- By February 2009, a government panel will begin reviewing the full list of phthalates and phthalate alternatives. This study, to be completed by August 2010, will then be the basis for further government banning or regulation of additional phthalates, including those on temporary ban. Decisions regarding such regulation are to be made by February 2011 (CPSIA, 2008).
- California recently passed a law to ban certain phthalates in toys and baby products (California Legislature, 2007).
- The European Union has prohibited phthalates in toys since 1999, and recently expanded their ban to include all childcare products that might be placed in the mouth by young children (Europa, 2007).
- Phthalates are also banned in many other countries, including Japan. The European Union also banned certain phthalates from cosmetic products in 2003 due to their reproductive toxicity.
- Some toy companies have made commitments to reduce or eliminate use of phthalates and PVC in toys.
