Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2011
Top 10 Toxic-Tainted Toys Exposed
Consumers Beware: Stocking Stuffers May Be Laced with Poisonous Chemicals
Columbus, OH - More than 30 years of environmental health studies have led to a growing consensus that chemicals used to manufacture thousands of consumer items are connected to the incidence and prevalence of many diseases and disorders in the U.S.
And a primary source of exposure to these toxic chemicals comes from daily contact with items that most of us do not give a second thought - including plastic toys, children's jewelry, strollers, kids' bath products, and other items that may lurk beneath countless Christmas trees this holiday season.
The "Trouble in Toyland" report issued by Illinois PIRG (see end of article) identifies potential dangers posed by toys and children's products ranging from toxins to choking hazards to noise hazards. Avoid the toys listed in the report, that upon independent third-party testing demonstrated a potential hazard from lead and other chemicals. View some of the toys here.
SHOCKING FINDINGS
- In 2010, the President's Cancer Panel report - "Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now" - concluded that "...to a disturbing extent, babies are being born pre-polluted."
- The President's Cancer Panel declared that the number of cancers caused by toxic chemicals is "grossly underestimated" and warned that Americans face "grievous harm" from chemicals that contaminate air, water, and food"
- The National Academy of Sciences estimates that environmental factors, including toxic chemicals, cause or contribute to at least a quarter of learning and developmental disabilities in American children.
- The National Academy of Sciences estimates that environmental factors, including toxic chemicals, cause or contribute to at least a quarter of learning and developmental disabilities in American children.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published data showing that exposures to chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorinated compounds, and cadmium are common. The CDC reports that almost everyone has these chemicals in their bodies-some at levels near or above those shown in scientific studies to cause adverse effects on reproductive health.
- Researchers estimate that the proportion of the disease burden that can be attributed to chemicals vary widely, ranging from 1% of all disease to 5% of childhood cancer to 10% of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and neuro-developmental deficits to 30% of childhood asthma.
This is particularly troubling, as half of all Americans are now living with these and other chronic diseases and conditions, which account for 70% of deaths and 75% of U.S. health care costs.
"There is no escape from toxic-laced toys and consumer products. Poisonous chemicals are contained in products that we buy every day - there is no way to completely avoid exposure to them," said Raenell Nagel, Senior Director of Policy & Strategic Planning for the Ohio Environmental Council.
Public health advocates charge that the protections provided by current federal law - the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA)- are not inadequate. Under TSCA, more than 80,000 chemicals are allowed on the market without a full assessment of toxic impacts on human health and the environment. Rather than requiring chemical manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are safe before they go into use, under TSCA, government agencies must wait un till actual harm occurs before they can control or order replacement of a dangerous chemical.
The President's Cancer Panel in 2010 labeled TSCA "the most egregious example of ineffective regulation of chemical contaminants."
"It's high time that Congress stands up for American families. The law must be strengthened to empower consumers when it comes to their health and the health of their children" said Teresa Mills of the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice.
The OEC and the CHEJ are part of the Safer Chemicals Healthy Families Coalition, which is supporting the Safe Chemicals Act (S. 847), introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
The Safe Chemicals Act would improve the safety of chemicals used in consumer products, increase public information on chemical safety, protect vulnerable populations and disproportionately affected "hot spot" communities, reform EPA's science practices to ensure the best available science is being used to determine chemical safety, and support innovation in the marketplace and provide incentives for the development of safer chemical alternatives.
WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO?
Consumers can take action to demand change!
- Tomorrow, Tuesday 12/13, is a National Call-In Day to raise support for the Safe Chemicals Act (S. 847).
Consumers can tell their Senators loud and clear, "We want common sense limits on toxic chemicals. And we want you to be our heroes and support the Safe Chemicals Act!"
Use our email system here or call using info below.
In Ohio, consumers can call Senator Sherrod Brown at 202-224-2315 and Senator Rob Portman at 202-224-3353 to urge them to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act (S.847).
Outside Ohio, consumers can contact the capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to their Senators' offices.
While it can be difficult to find information on chemicals contained in consumer products, there are sources of independent information:
- Search for the results of independently tested toys and other products at HealthyStuff.org.
- Review the annual "Trouble in Toyland" report issued by Illinois PIRG, which identifies potential dangers posed by toys and children's products ranging from toxins to choking hazards to noise hazards. Avoid the toys listed in the report, that upon independent third-party testing demonstrated a potential hazard from lead and other chemicals. View some of the toys here.
- Review the forthcoming report "Poison in Paints, Toxics in Toys" being released tomorrow - 12/13 - by the Environmental Health Strategy Center. This report reviews independent testing that reveals the hormone disrupting chemicals BPA and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) in hundreds of name-brand toys and paint.
In addition, there are tips that consumers can follow to help them choose healthier, safer toys and other products:
- Sign up for recall alerts at Recalls.gov
- Avoid plastic toys that list vinyl/PVC as ingredients
- Choose toys made of unfinished and unpainted wood, cloth, wool, or paper
- Avoid children's metal jewelry, which may contain toxic heavy metals
- To screen a piece of jewelry for lead, use a home lead tester available at many hardware stores. (This is a screening method, and should not be relied upon as a definitive test.)
- Read labels on play cosmetics to see if they contain potentially xylene, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate-all toxics
- Avoid art supplies with warnings such as "Caution", "Danger", "Warning", or "May Cause"
- Buy from companies that specialize in safer toys
- Think outside the toy box - give a priceless gift, such as fun activity or special trip to make memories
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC is Ohio's leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use. The OEC has a 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success. Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, the OEC secures a healthier environment for Ohio's families and communities.
The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice mentors a movement, empowering people to build healthy communities, and preventing harm to human health caused by exposure to environmental threats. Through training, coalition-building and one-on-one technical and organizing assistance, CHEJ works to level the playing field so that people can have a say in the environmental policies and decisions that affect their health and well-being. By organizing one school, one neighborhood, one community at a time, CHEJ is making the world cleaner and healthier for all of us.
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