Research Paper on "Toxic Chemical in Toys"

Research Paper 4 pages (1104 words) Sources: 2

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Toxic chemicals [...] amount of toxic chemicals in toys, and what consumers can do to protect their children from these toxins. With the advent of cheap mass produced toys in foreign countries such as China, there has been a growing concern over toxic chemicals in toys, especially after some prominent recalls of toys because of toxicity. Majorities of states have enacted laws to protect children from chemicals in toys, and the federal government is addressing the issue, too.

For decades, children's toys were simply assumed to be harmless. However, as consumers have become more aware of toxic chemicals in the environment, they have become more aware of the products they buy. Consumer agencies have sprung up to test children's toys for toxic chemicals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and bromine. All of these chemicals can be present in the body, and they can be extremely harmful. Many of these chemicals are used routinely in China and other countries in toy manufacture, because they are cheap and plentiful. A researcher notes, "China manufactures 80% of the toys sold in the United States, and millions of them have turned out to contain chemicals widely thought to be dangerous to children" (Boulard, 2008). To combat high chemical levels in toys, many states have enacted laws to protect children, but consumers need to become more aware of the hazardous chemicals in toys, and how to protect their children from these harmful chemicals.

Researcher Boulard continues, "Thirty states have addressed toxins in toys, and more legislation is being considered. State lawmakers are convinced they have to take the lead in addressing the problem, even though a new federal law bans certain toxins and increases money for oversight" (Boulard, 2008). The toy industry is concerned with state legislation, fearing they will have to create different toys to meet each state's standard. A toy industry spokesman says, "We think a uniform national standard is a positive approach so there is less confusion about what the rules are and how toys need to be manufactured, thus reducing the potential for mistakes'" (Boulard, 2008). However, critics note that Chinese toy factories already make toys without many harmful chemicals just for the European market, because they have much more stringent standards for their toys. Then, the factories create toys with toxic chemicals specifically for the United States, where there are not such stringent standards (Boulard, 2008).

Some of the most harmful chemicals contained in toys include:

Phthalates - these chemicals soften plastic and make it less brittle, and are used in a wide variety of toys. Studies indicate that they might cause cancer, and they disturb children's hormone systems, which can result in early puberty in children. A Web site notes, "Phthalates are very commonly added to PVC to make it soft and flexible; however, they can leach out of the plastic. Phthalates have been implicated in some health problems in laboratory tests" (Editors, 2010).

Mercury - is a dangerous chemical if children are exposed to it. It is often used in bath toys, and it can damage the nervous system and kidneys of children.

Cadmium - is another toxic chemical that is often found in lunch boxes and painted toys. It can create damage to the lungs, kidneys, and intestines.

Chlorine - high levels of this chemical are… READ MORE

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