Ftalater i leksaker

I was so excited when I learned about the new provisions concerning the chemical safety of toys which was approved in the new EU Toys Directive in December 2008. This should mean that toys we buy here in Sweden and in Europe would be toxic-free. But what will happen with toys still on the shelves before this new Directive is being implemented (which normally takes some time, 2 to 3 years)? – Nothing.

They will still be in the shops and will end up in the hands of countless children. And who will be buying them? Most probably people who are too busy, who are living in poverty or close to it, who don't know about the risks. Their children will have more chemical exposures, and potentially more harmful health effects. And that is just wrong.

As from 16 January 2007, acccording to Kemikalieinspektionen, it is forbidden (in Sweden) to be selling toys containing the six most usual phthalates:

- those that are completely forbidden are: Di(etylhexylftalat) (DEHP),
Dibutylftalat (DBP), and Butylbensylftalat (BBP);

- those that can be found in toys and children articles which they usually put in mouth are: Diisononylftalat (DINP), Diisodecylftalat (DIDP), Di-n-oktylftalat (DNOP).

Maybe we often forget, but let me remind you: phthalates are a group of chemicals that soften plastic and have been linked to early onset of puberty, testicular cancer, and birth defects.

How can we minimize or avoid exposure to phthalates? Here are some tips (from the Environmental Working Group):

* Nail polish: Dibutyl phthalate is often used to make nail polish chip-resistant. Look for it on the ingredients list, where it may be shortened to DBP.

* Plastics in the kitchen: Take a critical eye to your cupboards. Phthalates may be more likely to leach out of plastic when it's heated, so avoid cooking or microwaving in plastic.

* Vinyl toys: Phthalates are what make vinyl (PVC) toys soft, so don't give them to children. Opt instead for wooden and other phthalate-free toys, especially during the age when they put everything in their mouths!

* Paint: Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in well ventilated areas.

* Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the "fragrance" in some products. Since DEP won't be listed separately, you're better off choosing personal care products, detergents, and cleansers that do not have the word "fragrance" on the ingredients list.

* Vinyl: Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, and items of clothing (like some raincoats) are often sources. Aside from carefully choosing materials when you're making purchases, there is one easy change you can make: switch to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That "new shower curtain" smell (you know the one) is a result of chemical off-gassing, and means your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.

*Air Fresheners: Just like fragrances in personal care products, most air fresheners contain phthalates.

According to the organization Pollution in People, you can identify phthalates in some products by their chemical names, or abbreviations:

1. DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care products.)

2. DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices. BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.

3. DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).

So next time when buying cute little (soft plastic toys) make sure they are not toxic. Or even better, do not buy them at all! I just hope that someday, in the very near future, phthalates will be completely banned from all products, everywhere.

image: Rubber Ducks by Dan 1980 on Flickr