Congressional lawmakers have
banned phthalates, toxic compounds used to soften the plastic in children’s toys. The
AFP reports:
Critics believe the chemicals are linked to reproductive problems, including low sperm counts.
Certain phthalates were banned for use in children's products in Europe in 1999 and in California last year. The states of Washington and Vermont have since passed legislation on use of the chemicals.
The Wall Street Journal said some of the chemicals would be banned only temporarily under the new legislation while more research is conducted.
"Chemical additives should not be placed in products that can impact health adversely until they are tested and found to be benign," sponsor Senator Dianne Feinstein of California told the Post.
Chemical industry groups, which had financed a large-scale effort to stop the ban, criticised the move saying it could allow less-tested chemicals to be used instead.
Now we need watchdogs to monitor whatever replacement concoction the plastics producers come out with next.
