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Chemicals of Concern

Resources

Healthy Products

International Standards and Policies

U.S. Government Policies

  • Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (PDF) - Progressively takes effect between September 2008 and August 2011, altering existing regulations on children's products and the chemicals they contain. The regulation reduces allowable lead and restricts some phthalates, while making mandatory existing voluntary toy industry standards.

Other national standards and recommendations

State Policies

  • California
    AB 1879 (PDF) - passed in September 2008 permits the California EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control to form regulations that allow for the identification and prioritization of certain chemicals.

    SB 509 (PDF) - allows for an online database of chemicals for the purpose of informing consumers, as well as keeping the public updated about technical and substance-removal provisions of AB 1879.

    AB 1108 (PDF) - prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of certain toys or child care products if they contain phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% and requires manufacturers to use the least toxic alternatives to replace phthalates.

    California Phthalate Toys Legislation (pdf)

  • Connecticut
    HB 5650 and HB 5025 - passed in May 2008 requires state departments to identify harmful chemicals and potential replacements; allows Connecticut to join a multiple state clearinghouse for safe alternatives; lowers acceptable lead levels in children’s products to 300 ppm by July 2009 and 100 ppm by July 2011; and bans asbestos in products for children under 16.

  • Illinois
    410 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 45/1-45/17 - Illinois legislative amendment prohibits the addition of lead to surfaces children either occupy or may place in their mouths, including toys, jewelry, and furniture.

  • Maine
    LD 2048 - legislation passed in April 2008 calls for the compilation of a list of harmful chemicals; allows the state government to share information with other states; and allows the state to phase out certain harmful chemicals when alternatives are available, effective, and affordable.

  • Maryland
    HB 62 - legislation passed in 2008 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of specified lead-containing children’s products by any means, including via the Internet.

  • Michigan
    SB 174, HB 4132, & HB 4399 - legislation passed at the end of 2007 reduces the allowable amount of lead in toys, lunchboxes, children’s jewelry, and childcare articles to 600 ppm. This limit applies to total lead.

  • Vermont
    2008 Vt. Acts & Resolves 171 - legislation passed in 2008 restricts the sale of toys and childcare articles containing six phthalates, as well as requires the manufacturers to use the least toxic alternatives for the phthalates.

    2008 Vt. Acts & Resolves 193 - legislation passed in 2008 prohibits the sale of any children’s product or jewelry containing lead. The legislation also requires the phase out of wheel weights containing lead; requires plumbing equipment, paints and primers, and building materials containing lead to bear warning labels; and prohibits the sale of solder or flux for plumbing that contains lead.

  • Washington
    HB 2647 - Washington legislation passed in April 2008 limits the amount of lead in toys to 90 ppm (and later to 40 ppm, if possible); cadmium in toys to 40 ppm; six specific phthalates to 1,000 ppm in toys; and allow for future limits to be set regarding children’s toys, jewelry and cosmetics marketed to children under 12, products for teething babies, and children care seats made or sold in Washington. All sections take effect by July 2009, except the future lead reduction, which takes place by July 2010, if possible.