by Environment California Research and Policy Center

Toxic chemicals can be found in common baby products, according to a new report released today by the Environment California Research and Policy Center and U.S. PIRG Education Fund. "The Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products," documents toxic chemicals, including phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories.

"A child's first few years are an exciting time for parents who hope that their child starts his or her life happy and healthy," said Rachel Gibson, Environmental Health Advocate and Staff Attorney for Environment California, who is a report co-author. "Unfortunately, parents do not have the information they need to adequately protect their children from toxic chemicals. California should require manufacturers to remove toxic chemicals from children's products and, in the meantime, give parents the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions - right away."

The Environment California Research and Policy Center collaborated on the report with the research and public education center for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), the federal advocacy office of Environment California and the National Association of State PIRGs. The groups tested eighteen children's products, including teethers and toys, for the presence of a set of chemicals known as phthalates and tested seven infant sleep accessories, such as mattress pads and sleep wedges, for the presence of toxic flame retardants (known as PBDEs in the scientific community). The findings of the testing reveal that:

• Fifteen of the eighteen bath books, teethers, bath toys, and other products tested for phthalates contained these chemicals in their materials. For example, a teether made by Gund contained DBP, a type of phthalate classified as both a reproductive toxin and carcinogen in the European Union, where it is banned from children's products.

• One product - Sassy's "Who Loves Baby? Photo Book" - was labeled "phthalate-free." Testing of this product revealed the presence of two types of phthalates, DEHP and DBP. The European Union has banned these two chemicals in children's products.

• Three of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained toxic flame retardants in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years' Air Flow Sleep Positioner contained these chemicals.

The Environment California Research and Policy Center also released a letter today addressed to Governor Schwarzenegger, urging him to protect children's health. The letter is signed by ten celebrities, including Blythe Danner and Susan Sarandon.

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve flexibility and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the product. These chemicals have been linked to premature birth, reproductive defects, and early onset of puberty. People are exposed to phthalates through everyday contact with household and personal care products, as well as through contact with indoor air and dust.

The European Union has imposed a ban on three types of phthalates in all children's products, and has banned three other types from use in mouthing products marketed for children under three. California is currently considering a similar ban.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are a set of chemicals used to slow the spread of fire. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health concerns, including impaired learning and memory, reproductive defects, cancer, and impaired immune systems. In addition, levels of these chemicals found in the breast milk of American women and some fetuses are approaching levels shown to impair learning and cause behavior problems in mice.

In 2003, California passed a statewide ban, effective June 1, 2006, on the manufacturing and distribution of products containing two of the three main types of commercially used PBDEs, Penta and Octa. Many states, including Maine, Hawaii, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Maryland, and New York, have followed California's lead and taken action against these two PBDEs as well. Although the federal government has taken action to stop new production of Penta and Octa, it still allows importation of products containing these chemicals.

In the absence of both state and federal government action and adequate information about the presence of toxic chemicals in consumer products, the Environment California Research and Policy Center recommended that parents and others caring for children do the following:

• Avoid allowing children to put polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic toys in their mouths;
• Use glass containers for food and drink storage when possible;
• In washing plastic products, avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up the leaching process; and
• For additional helpful tips and other information, visit www.environmentcalifornia.org.

"Parents cannot be expected to deal with these issues on their own," said Gibson. "California and the federal government must act to assist parents and ensure that products on the market are not potentially harmful for children."

The Environment California Research and Policy Center called on California and the federal government to:

• Phase out the most dangerous chemicals, particularly from children's products;
• Reform chemicals policy to require chemical manufacturers to demonstrate that their chemicals are safe before they are allowed on the market by providing the state and federal government with hazard and health-impact information; and
• Provide information to consumers by requiring the labeling of products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals.

The Environment California Research and Policy Center released this report today as part of a nationwide effort to draw attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in baby products. More than 20 affiliated state PIRGs and environment groups released this report.