June 13, 2007 | Health, Shopping

Thanks to the Healthy Child Healthy World Blog for keying us in to the bill passed by the California Assembly! The legislature in California passed a bill that requires toys sold in California to phase out phthalates. Why is this a good thing?

Phthalates are known to leech into the body from products we use - from shampoos and lotions (where they’re used to bind fragrances and enhance textures), to any PVC or plastic item (where they improve elasticity and flexibility) . And they do some pretty bad stuff to your body:

1. They are hormone disruptors
2. Phthalates cause reproductive disorders and genital defects
3. Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty
4. Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with risk factors for testicular cancer

Knowing that, I’d say phasing out phthalates is a pretty good thing. If you’re a parent looking for phthalate-free toys, I’d recommend Discovery Toys (which generally have to be purchased through independent consultants, much the way you’d buy Avon), or wooden toys (such as those made by Haba or Melissa & Doug).  Smart mom Jewelry also has Teething Bling, which is phthalate free and pretty cool.

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