It came as a shock to Bay Area mother Michele Hammond that she and her six-year-old daughter Mikaela had high levels of a potentially hazardous chemical in their bodies. Hammond and her husband had agreed that they and their children would participate in a “biomonitoring” study (tests for the level of toxic chemicals in the body). They found out that blood from Michele and Mikaela had high levels of phthalates, used in plastic products and cosmetics.

Phthalates, along with another chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA) are targets of AB 319, a bill that would ban them from toys and baby care products for children under three.

Safer baby products

“It’s really a child safety issue,” says Assembly member Wilma Chan (D-Oakland), who introduced AB 319, the “Safer Baby Products Bill.” Chan says, “it’s important because most parents aren’t aware that baby bottles, teething rings, and other baby products may be harmful, and that there are safe alternatives.”

Chan’s office has compiled dozens of studies linking phthalates and BPA to birth defects, cancer, abnormal genital development, and other problems. Bisephonol-A is found in hard plastic, such as baby bottles, and phthalates in soft plastic toys like dolls and rubber duckies.

AB 319 targets products for babies, “because they are the most at risk,” says Rachel Gibson of Environment California, sponsor of Chan’s bill. “They are putting everything they handle in their mouths. That’s how babies explore the world.”

If passed into law, AB 319 would make California the first state to ban toxics in baby products.

Industry opposition

“A wide range of industry and business groups oppose (AB 319),” says the Grocery Manufacturers’ Association (GMA) on its web site, “based on its lack of scientific basis, potential dire economic impacts, and...unworkable nature.” Industry groups say the amounts of these chemicals found in consumer products are too low to cause harm. Removing them from plastic items, they argue, might endanger children by making plastic more brittle and breakable.

Many manufacturers, however, have removed these chemicals from their products. Recently the European Union banned their use in products for children.

“All of the independent studies—90% of them—show ill effects (from the chemicals),” says Chan, “so you’ve got to wonder why none of the industry studies show this.”

Taking precautions

“What I’ve learned (from biomonitoring),” says Michele Hammond “is to always ask questions. Don’t assume that any manufacturer has your best interest in mind. Don’t rely on what a store clerk tells you about what a product contains.”

Jo Behm, a registered nurse with the Learning Disability Association, also volunteered for biomonitoring tests. Her goal was to raise awareness about chemical contamination, she says, but she found that “I was toxic myself, with a lot of artificial chemicals I didn’t know were in my body.”

Her advice to parents: “Where it is possible to find safer alternatives, head there!” And take some simple precautions: “don’t leave plastics in a hot car or heat them in a microwave”—heat increases the amount of chemicals that leak out of plastic. (For more tips and a list of companies that have removed these chemicals from baby products, see www.environmentcalifornia.org)

“We need activists”

But Hammond says buying “alternative products” isn’t enough to protect your children—if these chemicals are in some products, they are in the environment. “It’s not what you are buying that matters in the end,” she comments. “It’s what is blowing in your window.”

More than just aware consumers, says Hammond, “We need environmental activists in our communities. It doesn’t mean a parent has to drive to Sacramento and lobby—bring these issues up at your local PTA meeting!”

More bills on toxic chemicals

In the legislature

• AB 289 (Chan)—would require manufacturers to give the state information on how to detect their chemicals in the environment.

Became law

• SB 484 (Migden)—creates tougher rules for labeling of cosmetics that may contain harmful chemicals.

Governor vetoed

• SB 600 (Ortiz, Perata)—would have created a state system of “biomonitoring” to test chemical contamination.

For more information on plastics

• Environment California, www.environmentcalifornia.org

For shoppers’ guides and fact sheets, including tips on avoiding toxic chemicals and a list of companies that have removed them from their products, click on toxics and environmental health, then children’s environmental health

• Institute for Children’s Environmental Health, 360-331-7904, www.iceh.org, includes some materials in Spanish

• Office of Assemblymember Wilma Chan: 510-286-1670 or 916-319-2016

Is it fun? Is it safe?

During the holiday season, advertisers will be making sure parents know what toys are “hot” sellers. But before you buy, say consumer advocates, make sure toys are safe.

Caution—little kids

Since young children are eager to put whatever they touch into their mouths, choking is the most common cause of toy-related deaths for children under three.

• Look for the label: Warning: Choking Hazard—Not For Children Under 3 Years Of Age
• Avoid toys with small or detachable parts or parts that might break off
• Avoid small balls and other round objects less than 2” in diameter—if swallowed, they can completely block a child’s airway
• Don’t provide toys with long cords or strings, to avoid strangulation.

Risks continue for all kids

• Follow age recommendations on labels and check for warning labels.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges or points, or toys likely to splinter into sharp pieces.
• Watch for toys or products with toxic plastics or finishes. Look for “PVC free” or “phthalates-free” labels.
• Give helmets and other safety gear with bikes, scooters or skateboards.
• Supervise kids when they’re using potentially hazardous toys like chemistry sets.

For more toy safety information

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 800-638-2772, www.cpsc.gov
• National Network for Child Care, 913-532-5773 www.nncc.org/health/toy.safety.html
• Other web sites: toysafety.net, toysafety.org, and kidsource.com (408-253-0246)

Extra resources from the Children’s Advocate bulletin

• Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products, from Environment California, finds that many baby product contain toxic chemicals, particularly toxic flame retardants and phthalates. Includes recommendations for parents and policymakers -- and a list of toys tested. Online at http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/
  envirocaliftoxics.asp?id2=19682
  
  
  
• Toy Safety, from the Children's Hospital of San Diego, provides information for parents on selecting and storing toys, as well as age-related toy recommendations. In English and Spanish. Online at http://www.chsd.org/

To stay informed about new and upcoming Children’s Advocate articles, related resources, and advocacy opportunities, sign up for our Children’s Advocate bulletin