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By Alix Clyburn | Back To the Blog

Phfear of Phthalates

3:42 pm - January 3, 2008

Photo: Phfear of Phthalates

As I write this, I'm listening to "Fresh Air" on NPR and learning that nearly every single thing in my life is leaking out questionable chemicals called phthalates (thay-lates).

My cosmetics, the dashboard of my car, nearly anything plastic . . . apparently these phthalates are in them all and slowly leak out into the atmosphere and will, I don't know, turn us into hermaphrodites?

The worst of it is not the phthalates in my mascara or my shampoo. It's in children's toys. My sons' toys are filled with phthalates. Apparently, studies have shown that these chemicals have an impact on the testosterone development in children. They call the plastics "hormone disrupters." Not good. Too much testosterone? Too little testosterone? Who cares? Either way, not so good.

Mark Schapiro is an investigative reporter who wrote a book about this called Exposed and was interviewed by Terry Gross. His book is excerpted in the article "Toxic Toys" on the website of The Nation.

In Europe, they have banned phthalates from children's toys. Those Eurokids still have lots of fun toys. The Chinese factories still make them, in fact. According to Schapiro, the Chinese factories literally make a phthalate-free version for Europe and a phthalate-laden version of the same toy for lucky American boys and girls. This is ludicrous. In October, California mandated that their toys be phthalate-free too. If Ahnold can make it happen, why can't the rest of us?

I don't even know that much about it, but a little bit of reading online can make you want to toss every toy in your house. Our host here, The Green Guide, has been talking about the dangers of phthalates since 1997, and more recently covered a CDC report that does not fill me with confidence. That said, the updated Toy Product Report is filled with better options. Maybe I should read more but when?? How are we parents supposed to stay on top of all of this, to protect our children from their own toys? When are we supposed to do that while we're also trying to actually care for our children, work and manage our own lives? If it's easy enough for moms and dads in Denmark and Spain to rely on their government to prevent these hormone disrupting chemicals from seeping into their babies' bodies, why can't we rely on Uncle Sam?

© The Green Guide, 2008

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Uncle Sam
posted by whalehead on 2007-12-05 06:06:12  

I hear your concern of the toys but is it really Uncle Sams' job to scan everything for us, are we to look to the gov't. for everything? Reliance of the gov't can KILL you. Putting to much trust in Gov't can KILL you. Look at all the vaccinations they make you give your kids and countless other things. the gov't is not where we should look but to each other and groups like the green guide. We are to look to the LORD first, trust the holy spirit in you to discern things for you. (it is hard to do in this in your face advertising world but he is there if you listen). Thanks for the Green Guide and all it does!!!


posted by CatsSpoon on 2007-12-05 09:27:38  

The LORD made these chemicals so we can put them in our everyday life. Give that up. Trust your judgement first.

We should be able to rely on the government to monitor these things, because they are allowing them to be on the commercials that entice our kids to want them, and they allow them on the shelves for us to buy.

However, it is up to the parent to decide and take in the good and bad, and to say no and put the foot down.

I would really like to see our manufacturers care more about the bottom line dollar and care more about safety. What about the corn based plastic alternative? It biodegrades in 47 days or something like that. There is not a cost difference, just changing the production lines a little.

Bottom line is, the GOV allows companies to slide by while not telling us what is in our products. THey shouldn't do that to us in the first place, but when they do and we find out, they should look for alternatives that are safe. Quickly, and implement change. Maybe there should be a global parental council for change.

Informed choices are a right not a gift
posted by Jen24 on 2007-12-05 10:46:23  

All our Government has to do is make it a law that every single package, no matter what it is, be it toys, shampoo, even a wooden table (because of the finish applied)list EXACTLY what it is made of. This allows us the freedom of choice that American citizens are supposed to have in the first place but don't because we almost never know exactly what we are buying. There are chemical dictionaries you can bring with you to a store and check ingredients or return an item if you find an ingredient unsafe when you get it home. This would give us the upperhand in everything we purchase and an actual informed CHOICE. The only choice we have right now is to purchase something based on the ASSUMPTION that it is safe or not purchase it at all. This isn't freedom. PS The European governments have enough time to protect their future generations, there is no excuse for ours especially when all of the work has been done for them already.

Phthalates in Beauty products too
posted by MsPure on 2007-12-05 22:46:14  

Don't be fooled, Phthalates are often disguised in personal care products and cosmetics. Like plastics in toys, they help bind chemical ingredients, giving them the elasticity. Very toxic indeed. Equally there are many natural imposters on the market claiming not to use Phthalates , when indeed they do. Consumers are wise to see safer and pure alternatives like organic personal care products and synthetic free products. Check out www.purealternatives.net


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