Personal Injury Blog

CPSC Votes to Make Phthalate Tests Required for Children’s Products

August 11th, 2011
Children's products are now going to be tested for Phthalates

Phthalates can be very dangerous and cause health problems.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to make Phthalate Tests Required in children’s products, including toys.  The agency has voted to require that manufacturers conduct third-party testing for these toxic chemicals in children’s toys and other products.

Manufacturers have been given until December 1, 2011 to comply with the third-party testing requirements.  In 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned several types of phthalates in children’s products.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission has now decided that only those parts of children’s products that can be placed in the mouth, chewed or sucked, will be subjected to third-party testing for phthalate.

Phthalates belong to a family of compounds that are used very often in plastic products.  These compounds are often used to soften plastic, and are found in a wide variety of household products, from air fresheners to baby rattles.  Phthalates belong to a category of industrial compounds, and have many different uses.  These are contained in oily substances used in perfumes, and are found in lubricants.  The peculiar plastic smell you find in plastic products is courtesy phthalate use.

However, in recent years, several studies have begun to point to the high risks of serious health effects from phthalates.  These risks are extremely high in baby boys.  Male infants are at a much higher risk of health effects, including reproductive disorders, from exposure to phthalates.  Several studies have shown that exposure to phthalates can pose long-term health risks to children.  There are specific risks to the development of the reproductive system in male children as well as development of the endocrine system.

The danger from phthalates is that these come in such a wide variety of products that children and adults are exposed to every day.  From shampoos and baby lotions to toys, there are likely dozens of products in your own home that contain these toxic chemicals.

The use of phthalates in children’s toys and other products was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.  That law banned the use of three types of phthalates in concentrations greater than .1% in children’s products.  Over the past two years, it has been illegal to manufacture or import toys and other products that contain these types of phthalates.

Much of the focus on chemical safety in children’s products has centered on excessive concentrations of lead, and this has meant little awareness about the dangers of phthalate use.  Los Angeles personal injury lawyers would also like to see more restrictions on the use of phthalates in children’s products.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s decision is a good start in that direction by making the Phthalate Tests Required for kids products.

Posted by at 7:13 am: No comments

Leave a reply



Share This Page With A Friend
Find The Reeves Law Group On

Latest Review

The Reeves Law Group
Excellent, highly recommended

"I was very pleased with my overall experience with The Reeves Law Group. The staff was friendly and helpful, and my attorney was skillful and aggressive in getting an excellent settlement recovery for me, including reimbursement for my lost income."

 - Camilla C. Castagna 5.0

FreeConsultation

24 Hours
EASY & CONFIDENTIAL CLICK HERE ›
SPEAK TO A LAWYER NOW
1-800-644-8000

Client Testimonials

  • "I would recommend The Reeves Law Group to my family and friends for attorney representation of any bodily injury claims they might have..."

    — C.O., Los Angeles

  • "I cannot thank this firm enough. The attorneys and support staff were caring, attentive and diligent at every step of the way and produced an outstanding result in the case."

    — M.N., Orange County

  • "I am very happy with $981,932.68 The Reeves Law Group obtained for me for injuries I suffered in an automobile accident. The legal representation provided by the Reeves staff was excellent..."

    — G.D., Ventura County

  • "I appreciate the level of excellence and compassion put forth in my case. This law firm made what was stressful in the beginning a non-stressful case in the end. Thank you!"

    — J.H., Riverside

  • "I was very happy with attorney Pakiz of your office, who worked very diligently and was very courteous with me. I would not hesitate to call on or recommend your office in the future."

    — T.M., Orange County

  • "I would refer The Reeves Law Group to friends and family."

    — J.K., San Diego County

  • "I found the attorneys to be compassionate for my needs and tenacious against the insurance company representatives, while working to achieve an outstanding settlement result."

    — F.H., Los Angeles County

  • "Dear Mr. Reeves: Your representation and guidance during the pendency of my injury case are very much appreciated..."

    — A.C., Santa Ana

  • "I received great service and am very happy with the way your firm handled my case."

    — J.F., Orange County

  • "Great job on the whole process. It was a fast process, and there was always someone for me to talk to."

    — D. H., Rialto

  • "We came to you from another law firm that didn't help. Your offices made us feel like we were your only clients. Thank you so much for the terrific service!"

    — R.L. and E.L., Orange County

  • "Great job - great damages recovery! Thank you Mr. Reeves and staff for quality legal representation and results in my personal injury case."

    — M.I., Riverside County

Helpful Links

Our Blog Over 3,000 Articles Daily articles on Personal injury news & analysis
Click Here ►
Our Guarantee If there is no recovery you don't pay a fee
Learn More ►
Video Library A helpful resource for your injury case
Click Here ►