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CPSC Concerns over Phthalate Usage Escalates– posted 7.19.10
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently formed the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) to investigate and study the effects of phthalates and phthalate alternatives in children’s toys and child care articles. The first meeting, held on April 14-15, 2010, discussed the potential health effects from exposure to the full range of phthalates that are currently used in children’s products.
Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, have been used in numerous products both for children and adults for many years such as cosmetics, food, medical devices, toys, jewelry and a wide variety of consumer products. Certain phthalates have already been prohibited for use in children’s toys and products are not to contain over a specified amount (0.1%) in order to be classified as safe for use. Section 108 of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Act (CPSIA) states that any consumer product labeled as a children’s toy or child care article intended for use by a child under 12 years of age, must comply with the current regulations.
Medical studies already completed by the CPSC have determined certain phthalates can cause adverse health effects such as birth defects. The CHAP’s responsibility is to further determine how the use of these chemicals either through ingestion, dermal exposure or hand to mouth impacts the health effect exposures to the public.
If you are a toy manufacturer, crafter or importer of children’s products, you should become aware of the existing and possible rules changes regarding the CPSIA regulations. If you have any questions on this topic or on CPSC regulations in general, please feel free to contact Trace Laboratories Incorporated:
Trace Laboratories, Inc.
5 North Park Drive, Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Phone: 410-584-9099
Web:
www.tracelabs.com
Email:
info@tracelabs.com
About Trace Laboratories, Inc.:
Established over 30 years ago, Trace offers state-of-the-art testing, qualification, analysis, automation, and training in the areas of compliance, life cycle testing, printed circuit board design and best practices. Trace Laboratories has the ability to design and fabricate automation equipment for long-term reliability testing. Trace Laboratories, Inc. has facilities in Hunt Valley, MD, Palatine, IL, and Carthage, IL.