MINNEAPOLIS - With a law signed Sunday, California has become the first state to ban the use of phthalates in manufacturing products for children and babies.
The Coalition Against Toxic Toys, an adult-industry nonprofit organization advocating environmentally friendly and nonhazardous sex toys, has applauded the ban, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2009. According to CATT President Jennifer Pritchett, the ban "is a step in the right direction and will, hopefully, alert consumers to the dangers of phthalates and other toxic materials in all types of toys."
In a statement issued Sunday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger referred to phthalates as "chemicals [that] threaten the health and safety of our children at critical stages of their development."
The American Chemistry Council opposed the bill, saying it contradicted a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission finding that cleared vinyl toys containing phthalates. Health Canada acknowledged the concerns, but noted that current levels found in products do not pose a threat to consumers.
"There is currently no evidence to indicate that exposure to phthalate at current levels in consumer products poses risks to human health," Health Canada said.
CATT hopes that manufacturers and retailers in the adult industry will err on the side of caution by providing consumers complete information. Even though adult-novelty manufacturers claim that their products are phthalate-free, CATT said, consumers should perform smell tests and use the organization's "Smart Shopper's Tool Kit."
For more information on sex-toy safety, send email to [email protected].
