6,500 Products for Kids Found to Contain Dangerous Chemicals

Washington state requires manufacturers of children’s products to report to a state-managed, publicly accessible database if their products contain any of 66 designated chemicals of high concern. This comes from a recent Washington law requiring manufacturers to report the presence of chemicals in products for children. These are chemicals that, in extreme exposure, could lead to anything from hormone disruption, reproductive problems, developmental problems, and cancer.

Products of concern include toys like Little Tikes plastic outdoor play structures and Toys “R” Us vehicles. Even shoes, costumes, and doll furniture from popular stores were shown to contain cancer-causing materials.

That’s why Washington is getting companies to pledge to halt the use of chemicals in their production and push lawmakers to create laws that prohibit them.

Many states are following suit. Vermont passed a similar law that goes into effect in July 2016. Oregon already requires manufacturers to phase out the use of chemicals of high concern in products that either are intended for children under 3 years of age, are “mouthable,” or fall into the category of children’s cosmetics.

Since Washington’s law went into effect, there has been a steep decline in the use of chemicals by some major manufacturers.

While politicians keep working state-by-state to get manufacturers in line, pediatricians are urging parents to stay safe by simply cutting back and using less.

Read more about Washington’s Guide for manufacturers

Additional article source: Ensia