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What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals
often used to soften plastics such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to make
them more flexible. They are also used as
solvents and stabilizers for fragrances.
Phthalates have been used in numerous
consumer products such as baby teethers,
plastic toys, home furnishings, air freshen-
ers, car interiors, cosmetics, drugs, medical
equipment and many other products.
While phthalates are also found in food,
indoor air, household dust and even soil,
the CPSC regulates specific phthalates
used in the manufacture of particular con-
sumer products. It is important to under-
stand not all phthalates are regulated the
same way by the CPSC. The identity of a
PRODUCT SAFETY
HE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT
Safety
Commission (CPSC) has recently proposed a new
rule that may affect you and your customers. It is the
“Prohibition of Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles
Containing Specified Phthalates.”While the rule is targeted at
a specific area, it potentially affects a number of consumer prod-
ucts you may import or distribute. Knowing what may be
banned or restricted will allow you to stay ahead of the regula-
tory curve and help ensure the effective and efficient flow of
your products to the market.
Phthalates In Children’s Toys And Child Care Articles
The proposed CPSC rule changes how certain chemical plasticizers in children’s
toys and child care articles are regulated. This rule on phthalates would create a new
federal standard that specifies exactly which phthalates are barred from use in chil-
dren’s toys and child care articles. The commission approved the phthalate Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking on December 17, 2014, and recently extended the deadline for
public comment until April 15, 2015.
FOR CHILDREN ONLY
A PROPOSED CPSC RULE EXPANDS THE PHTHALATE BAN
IN KID’S TOYS AND CARE ITEMS
BY CHARLES E. JOERN, JR.
T
APRIL 2015 •
PPB
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