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Chemicals of Concern

Introduction

Lead

Chlorine (PVC)

Cadmium

Arsenic

Mercury

Other Chemicals

Alternatives

Resources

Keep me informed

LEAD

Lead is a heavy metal that continues to be used in a wide variety of children's products. Lead is often used as a stabilizer in PVC products and for pigmentation in paint, rubber, plastics, and ceramics (ATSDR 2005). Lead's chemical properties also make it easy to cast for metal products and industrial uses (ATSDR 2005).

Health Effects

  • Scientists have found there is no safe level of lead for children - even the smallest amount effects children's ability to learn (Lanphear 2005, Gilbert 2006).Children are more vulnerable than adults to lead (ATSDR 2005).
  • Lead impacts brain development, causing learning and developmental problems including decreased IQ scores, shorter attention spans, and delayed learning (Gilbert 2004).
  • When children are exposed to lead, the developmental and nervous system consequences are irreversible (Gilbert 2006). Nationwide, 310,000 children already have lead levels of concern (ATSDR 2005).

Where We Found It

  • Painted toys and jewelry
  • PVC (vinyl) toys, bibs, backpacks
  • Shoes
  • Metal jewelry

Other concerns

  • Lead paint in homes remains the most important source of lead for many children. Please consult the Centers for Disease Control website for tips on reducing lead exposure for children and pregnant women.

Current Regulations for Lead in Children's Products

  • U.S. regulations limit lead in paint on children's toys to 600 ppm (Code of Federal Regulations 2007).
  • There are no federal regulations for lead in vinyl or plastic toys, jewelry, or other children's products. Since 2004, the CPSC has been considering proposed regulations for lead in PVC and jewelry (Federal Register 2007).
  • Illinois recently passed a law limiting lead in a variety of consumer products, including toys, jewelry, clothing and articles intended to be chewable by children (Illinois Public Act 094-0879). California recently enacted limits on lead in jewelry (California Assembly Bill 1681, 2006).
  • Nineteen states limit lead in packaging materials, such as shopping bags and product wrappings (TPCH 2007).
  • The European Union restricts lead in electronic products, including electronic toys (European Union 2003)
  • The toy industry has published a voluntary standard of 90 ppm for lead in toys, but the standard is unenforceable, and applies not to total lead content but the amount that can migrate from the toy.