A new study shows that 75% of all children’s school supplies contain high levels of potentially toxic phthalates which is dangerous for children and was banned in toys in the past. The study was released yesterday by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Mike Schade, author of the CHEJ report, said in a statement: “Unfortunately, while phthalates have been banned in children’s toys, similar safeguards don’t yet exist to keep them out of lunchboxes, backpacks and other children’s school supplies. It’s time for Congress to move forward and pass the Safe Chemicals Act to protect our children and schools from toxic exposure.”
The study tested 20 children’s products that is currently on store shelves, including The Disney Princess Lunchbox and Disney’s Dora the Explorer Backpack, and 3/4 of them contained these high lives of phthalates.
“When kids take their lunch to school this fall, they shouldn’t be carrying it in a lunchbox laden with toxic chemicals,” said Schumer in a statement.
Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, early puberty, infertility, asthma, ADHD, obesity, and diabetes.
Coming in at over 29 times the allowable limit in toys is the Disney Princess Lunchbox but it was by far not the worst. The chemicals also were found in: The Amazing Spiderman Lunchbox, Disney’s Dora the Explorer Backpack (this at 69 times the allowable limits in toys), and the Amazing Spiderman Backpack.
Based on the findings advocacy groups are urging for passage of the Safe Chemicals Act, sponsored by Schumer and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), which would provide stricter scrutiny of chemicals.
A guide for parents and teachers, has been released by the CHEJ to help them find PVC-free school supplies.
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The point this article really should make is that plastic is an unhealthy substance. They mix a bunch of chemicals together at high temperatures and then the finished product spends the next several decades slowly leeching back out.
Is there a link to all the supplies that are affected? I purchased my daughters backpack and lunch box from the Disney store. If hers was affected, I want to take it back.