In February, a phthalate ban was enacted nationwide but the scientists at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) say that the ban is not based on scientific fact and is not necessary.
Phthalates have been banned in children’s products in California for some time but can still be found in a variety of items including air fresheners, body lotion, and some cosmetics. Just yesterday, a report came out with details of a Swedish study that links the phthalates used in vinyl flooring to autism spectrum disorders.
A segment of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition show discussed the phthalate ban.
The commission opposed the ban because “there was not a risk of injury to children,” says Dr. Maryland Wind, deputy associate executive director for health sciences at CPSC.
Children would have to mouth toys containing the phthalate DINP for at least 75 minutes a day to have even the slightest risk of health problems, a Consumer Product Safety Commission panel concluded after analyzing data about chewing and saliva.
I find it odd that the CPSC doesn’t think it plausible that I child would mouth a toy for 75 minutes a day. I have a child who, at 5.5, still puts non-edible things into her mouth. Granted, we didn’t have rubber duckies, etc but it is not unheard for a child to mouth toys for more than an hour.
An audio recording and a transcription of the article are available on the NPR website: Public Concern, Not Science, Prompts Plastics Ban
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Does (or did) your child mouth objects for more than an hour a day? Do you feel that the ban was the right step to take? Chime in by leaving a comment below.
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