How to Stay Away From Phthalates in Toys

Phthalates belong to a family of chemicals found in plastics, including many children's toys. The website of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that phthalates are hormone disruptors that can interfere with reproductive development, speed the onset of puberty and lower testosterone levels and sperm count. Phthalates can be absorbed by the skin, so even touching toys that contain phthalates can put children at risk. Parents can reduce their children's exposure to phthalates by staying away from toys that are likely to have them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read labels. Most toys do not include the word "phthalates" on the package. Instead, you have to know the chemical names that indicate phthalates and look for them. Some ingredients include DEHP, or di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; BzBP, or benzylbutyl phthalate; DMP, or dimethyl phthalate; BBP, or butyl benzyl phthalate; MBzP, or mono benzyl phthalate; DBP, or di-n-butyl phthalate; MBP, or mono-n-butyl phthalate; MiBP, or mono-isobutyl phthalate; MEHP, or mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; DEP, or diethyl phthalate; MEP, or monoethyl phthalate; DiDP, or di-isodecyl phthalate; DiNP, or di-isononyll phthalate; DnHP, or di-n-hexyl phthalate; and DnOP, or di-n-octyl phthalate.

    • 2

      Look for the words "phthalate free." Not all toys will include information about their materials. However, if you see the words "phthalate free," you know that you are in the clear.

    • 3

      Know your numbers. Items made of plastic include a recycle number somewhere on them, typically on the bottom. The number is surrounded by a recycle symbol that looks like a triangle with dulled corners. Plastics with the number 3 on them include vinyl or PVC and typically include phthalates. Avoid toys with these numbers. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences website recommends choosing toys with the plastic numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 instead.

    • 4

      Don't buy soft, flexible plastic toys. These toys are most likely to contain phthalates.

    • 5

      Purchase toys made of natural materials, such as wood and cloth. Most popular toys are made in all-natural versions.

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