six chemicals in toys, set new lead limits

Canada is proposing regulations to prevent the use of six phthalates (DEHP, DINP, DBP, BBP, DNOP and DIDP) in soft vinyl children's toys and child-care articles, including certain squeeze or inflatable toys, dolls, animal figures, school supplies and vinyl bibs. Phthalates are a family of chemicals commonly used to make vinyl plastic, otherwise known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, soft and flexible. Studies suggest that certain phthalates are hazardous to reproduction and development and may cause health effects such as liver and kidney failure in young children when products are sucked or chewed for extended periods.

In addition, the proposed Consumer Products Containing Lead (Contact with Mouth) Regulations would limit the lead content for all affected products to a maximum of 90 milligrams of lead per kilogram of product (90 mg/kg), which is among the strictest limitations in the world. The products covered by these proposed amendments include, but are not limited to: toys for children under three years of age; mouthpieces used in sports equipment, (i.e. snorkels); mouthpieces of musical instruments; pacifiers; teethers; baby bottle nipples; plastic beverage straws; and drinking cup spouts.