PLASTICS IN TOYS

INTRODUCTION – Why should You Be Concerned about Plastic Toys?
The reason is because PVC, the most toxic plastic, is the type of plastic commonly used in soft children's products such as bath toys, squeeze toys and teething rings.

Phthalates (pronounced thay-lates) are added to make the PVC soft and squishy for use in infant toys that are chewed and sucked primarily to relieve teething irritation. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are added to make the rigid type of PVC more durable for use in older children's toys and other consumer products.

The toxic components in the PVC plastic used in these toys are not stable; the chemicals can leach out. These chemicals can be consumed by children when children suck or chew on the soft plastic and can show up in the bloodstreams of children. Laboratory studies show that some of these chemicals are linked to cancer and kidney damage and may interfere with the reproductive system and development.

Studies have shown that these chemicals are hormonally active and may interfere with hormone systems that regulate normal growth and reproductive development in children.

Are all soft plastic toys made from PVC?

Almost all soft plastic toys for infants and toddlers that are sold are imported from factories in Asia where PVC is very widely used. There are, however, other types of plastics that are naturally soft (e.g., polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate) that do not contain plasticizers like phthalates. The safer plastics are often harder to find.

Fast Facts:

• Since 1997, bans on phthalates in soft PVC, or vinyl toys have taken effect in Austria, France, Greece, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.
  
• Testing by the governments of Denmark and the Netherlands concludes that children can ingest hazardous chemicals from PVC toys during normal use -sometimes at unacceptable levels!

Lead and cadmium are also used in Plastics

Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are added to make the rigid type of PVC more durable for use in older children's toys and other consumer products. These additives are all capable of leaching out of PVC plastic.

Lead causes damage to the nervous system, leading to decreased learning ability and behavioral deficits. Children are especially susceptible because they absorb and retain lead more easily than adults and also because their brains are still developing. Cadmium is known to produce cancer and in animal tests causes kidney damage; it can affect the developing brain.

ALTERNATIVES TO TOYS MADE WITH PVC: Look for and ask for PVC-free toys! There are many alternatives to vinyl and the following toy-makers are among those companies committed to safe, PVC-free toys:

• Small World Toys (makes PVC-free teething toys and “Gertie” balls)
  
• Early Start
  
• BRIO Corporation
  
• APRICA Kassai Incorporated
  
• Lamaze Infant Development
  
• Little Tikes (Rubbermaid)
  
• Ravensburger
  
• Turner Toys
  
• Lego Toys
  
• Toys R Us, in November 1998, announced its 'immediate plans for the worldwide removal of all direct-to-mouth products for infant use containing phthalates, such as teethers, rattles and pacifiers.'
  

Alternative plastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, EPM, EPDM, EVA, and bio-based plastics. None of these plastics require vinyl's extensive use of toxic additives, and none contain reactive chlorine as an essential component. In addition, traditional materials such as wood and textiles have been used successfully for years.

How do I dispose of unwanted PVC toys?

When burned, PVC plastic releases dioxins; research has shown these to be highly toxic even in small quantities. Therefore, it is best to ensure that PVC toys go to a landfill site, not to a municipal incinerator.