Toxic Toys
Di-Isononyl
Phthalate (DINP), Dibutyl Phthalates (DBP) and Xylene in Children's
Toys and Products
 In
February 2003, CPSC announced their decision not to ban di-isononyl
phthalate (DINP) in children’s products marketed to children under
the age of five (xx).
This decision and some of the studies that have come out in the past
year charging that DINP is harmless (xxi)
are of great concern to child safety advocates. DINP has not been proven
safe. Numerous studies by scientists both here and abroad indicate that
DINP may cause birth defects, reproductive problems, nervous system
damage and other negative health effects (xxii).
In June 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for research
on how DINP exposure affects fetuses and infants (xxiii).
Also in June 2003, the Employers’ organization Danish Commerce
and Services announced a voluntary ban on a wide range of toys containing
phthalate plasticizers. Moreover, on November 18, 2003, the European
Commission renewed its Emergency Ban on the use of six phthalates (including
DINP) in toys, despite the increasing pressure by phthalate manufacturers
to rescind the ban (xxiv).
NYPIRG supports the precautionary principle, that it is better to be
safe than sorry--small children should not be exposed to potentially
dangerous chemicals. This is a common sense approach, since there are
viable and safer alternatives to DINP and PVC plastic (xxv).
DINP is far from benign; phthalates are probable human carcinogens and
have some of the characteristics of endocrine disrupters, chemicals
that cause reproductive abnormalities. They have also been linked to
kidney and liver damage (xxvi).
Moreover, the phthalate DINP contains the following warning when purchased
for scientific laboratory use:
"May cause cancer; harmful by inhalation, in contact with
skin, and if swallowed; possible risk of irreversible effects; avoid
exposure; and wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face
protection." (xxvii)
Dibutyl (or Di-n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) has been linked to reproductive
damage, mutations, skin and respiratory irritation, and may affect the
nervous system. DBP is a on the Hazardous Substances list and it is
regulated by OSHA. DBP’s hazard summary contains the following:
“DBP can affect you when breathed in and may be absorbed
through the skin. DBP may cause mutations, reproductive damage and may
affect the nervous system. Handle with extreme caution. Contact can
irritate the skin and eyes, breathing DBP can irritate the nose and
throat and high exposure can cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness and
seizures.” (xxviii)
Xylene, also known as xylol or dimethyl benzene, is used as a solvent,
in drugs, dyes, insecticides, lacquers and enamels, and in gasoline
for airplanes (xxix).
Exposure to xylene can damage the liver and kidneys; cause headaches,
nausea, and vomiting; and irritate the skin, eyes and throat. Repeated
exposure to xylene can affect memory and concentration; it is also narcotic
in high concentrations (xxx).
Past NYPIRG and PIRG toy safety surveys have identified phthalates in
numerous toys intended for small children – teething toys, bath
books, etc. One of the toys included on this year’s List of Unsafe
Toys is a Rubber Duckie Bath Toy. In November 2003, Empire State Consumer
Association, a consumer organization based in Rochester, New York, commissioned
independent laboratory testing of the small vinyl duck, manufactured
by Toysmith and sold in open bins at Zany Brainy. The laboratory determined
that the vinyl duck contained 670 million micrograms of undifferentiated
phthalates per kilogram, or 67% phthalates by weight. Moreover, this
year, surveyors identified children’s cosmetics that contain DBT
and xylene.
NYPIRG recommends that parents read the labels of children’s cosmetics,
modeling clay and other products carefully and purchase only certified
non-toxic children’s products. NYPIRG calls upon the CPSC to ban
the use of DINP in all toys for children five years old and younger.
CPSC should enforce its guidelines to manufacturers, retailers and distributors
about children’s products containing liquid chemicals and expand
it to include other toxic chemicals that may expose children to hidden
health hazards.
NEXT:
Survey of Online Toy Retailers
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