Great News! On January 18, 2011, the Canadian government announced new regulations to restrict the use of six common phthalates in children's products, including toys, soft vinyl pacifiers, teether, rattles, bottle nipples, etc. Phthalates are recognized hormone disrupting chemicals used as softening agents in the manufacture of certain plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely considered an extremely hazardous consumer product as well as one of the most harmful plastics to the environment. They are also used in air fresheners and perfumes to maintain a product's lingering fragrance.
This action follows the lead of Europe and the USA, where the same six phthalates have also been restricted to 0.1% (or 1000ppm) or less by weight in children's products. It is a significant change given that the concentration of phthalates in PVC toys is usually in the range of 10% to 40% of the total weight. Phthalates have been linked to various serious health problems, including allergies, diabetes, and weight problems in children, early puberty in girls, testicular cancer in men, as well as urinary tract and testicular malformation in young boys.(excerpt taken from Life Without Plastic)
Way to go Canada, and here's hoping that the push to ban phthalates all together will soon take place.
If you're looking for non-toxic toys for babies, check out Agnes Jean's new online store, or drop by our location in person!!
For further information and sources please read the following:
Environmental Defence Blog (Canada)
CBC News Article - Phthalates: Soft plastic's hidden hazard
Health Canada Press Release and summary of new regulations
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