Phthalates: The Latest

Here's an update on a post from this summer about Congress's decision to ban phthalates from toys and other children's products. Studies have indicated that these chemicals may cause reproductive problems in kids. But parents should be aware that the new ban doesn't take effect until February 10, so it to won't apply to holiday gifts. Furthermore, regulators from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency that the new law was designed to reform, have decided that if the product was produced before that date, it's in the clear. Some consumer groups are crying foul, saying that decision runs counter to the spirit of the law. After all, if parents buy toys in March, how are they to know whether it was produced before or after February 10? On the other side of this, of course, are the toy companies, who are still struggling with how they will comply with the law. More studies on phthalates' effects on human health are no doubt eagerly awaited by all.