Environmental Protection

Toxic Chemicals in Children's Toys

 

Rates of children with developmental disabilities like autism, ADHD and other learning disorders have increased in recent years, and more evidence points to toxic chemicals as a contributor of this increase.  What's more alarming is that most parents don't realize many of these toxic chemicals, such as lead, PVC plastic, and bisphenol A (BPA), are found in common toys and children's products.

Sen. Sharon Nelson is working with the Department of Ecology in sponsoring SB 5231, legislation that would require manufacturers of common children’s products to determine if the product could be made more safely.

“By now most people are aware of the health dangers caused by exposure to lead or asbestos, but many of us are still unaware of other toxic chemicals found in common children’s products and children’s toys,”  Sen. Nelson said.  “This bill works to improve the safety of toys and other children’s products by placing responsibility on the manufacturers to look for safer alternatives.”

A public hearing was held on SB 5231 in the Senate Committee on Environment and Water & Energy Committee, where Department of Ecology representative Carol Kraege told committee members that the time for this legislation is now.

“Beginning in the spring of 2012, we will begin to receive information on the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products. This bill will help Ecology and the Department of Health help parents make sense of this information by identifying products that could harm children. Also, implementing these policies takes time. The sooner we begin to look for safer ways to manufacture products, the sooner we can eliminate exposures to chemicals of concern.”

Click here to watch the public hearing on TVW.