HealthyToys.org — Chlorine (PVC)

Detection of chlorine in a toy component indicates the likely use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl, a widely used type of plastic that is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle.

During the production phase, workers at PVC facilities, as well as residents in surrounding areas, may be exposed to vinyl chloride (the building block of PVC) and/or dioxin (an unwanted byproduct of PVC production), both of which are carcinogens. At the end of a product's life, PVC can create dioxin when burned. PVC is not easily recycled.

Lead and other heavy metals are sometimes used as a stabilizer or to impart other properties to PVC plastic.

Because PVC is an inherently brittle material, it requires additives to make it flexible and to impart other properties. Another group of additives commonly found in PVC products are phthalates. Phthalates are used in many plastics, especially PVC products, as a softening agent to make the plastic flexible. Over 90% of all phthalates are used in PVC products.

Where We Found It

Plastic books, bibs, backpacks

Plastic packaging and toys

Plastic clothes and shoes

And in many other plastic products or plastic components

Phthalates

Phthalates [pronounced thal-ates] are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to many consumer products. Of particular concern are di-2-ethylhexyl (DEHP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and very likely diethyl phthalate (DEP). DEHP and BzBP are primarily used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based plastics, as well as other flexible plastics, and found in tablecloths, furniture, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, garden hoses, inflatable swimming pools, plastic clothing such as raincoats, children's toys, automobile upholstery and tops, medical tubing, and blood storage bags. DEP and DBP are used in non-plastic consumer items as fixatives, detergents, lubricating oils, and solvents and can be found in carpets, paints, glue, insect repellents, time release capsules, and personal care products such as soap, shampoo, hair spray, nail polish, deodorants, and fragrances.

Health Effects of PVC Additives: Phthalates

Depending on the level of exposure, phthalates have been linked to:

Phthalates are a group of chemicals, some of which have endocrine-disrupting properties, meaning that they can disturb normal hormonal processes, often at low levels of exposure. (IEPA 2000).

Exposure to phthalates is linked to birth defects of the genitals and altered levels of reproductive hormones in baby boys. An increased breast cancer risk is also suspected (Main 2006, Swan 2005, Marsee 2006). Phthalates in building products have also been linked to asthma. (Mendell, 2007)

Human testing by the federal government finds phthalates in almost all of the population, with the highest levels in children ages 6 to 11 years and in women (CDC 2005 Indoor Air).

DINP (one type of phthalate) is commonly used as an additive in children’s toys. Studies have demonstrated possible links between DINP and adverse impacts on the reproductive system, kidneys, liver, and blood.

Current Regulations

There are no federal regulations limiting phthalates in children's products.

California recently passed a law to ban certain phthalates in toys and baby products (California Legislature 2007).

The European Union has prohibited phthalates in toys since 1999, and recently expanded their ban to include all childcare products that might be placed in the mouth by young children (Europa 2007).

Phthalates are also banned in many other countries, including Japan. The European Union also banned certain phthalates from cosmetic products in 2003 due to their reproductive toxicity.

Some toy companies have made commitments to reduce or eliminate use of phthalates and PVC in toys.