Lead, Cadmium & DEHP Still Found in Children's Vinyl Products Despite Industry Promises

A Greenpeace investigation has found toxic additives such as lead, cadmium, and the phthalate plasticizer DEHP in a variety of vinyl children's products, despite manufacturers' assurances to the contrary. The items include vinyl bibs, backpacks featuring Teletubbies and Rugrats, a 101 Dalmatians girls' purse, a vinyl Rawlings baseball mitt, a Disney rain slicker, and a promotional beach ball distributed by the chemical industry.

Joe DiGangi, Ph.D., author of the study, stated, "Toy industry claims are misleading the public. Vinyl toys still contain numerous toxic additives. They are not tested. They are not labeled, and they cannot be assumed to be safe."

"A Rugrats backpack of the same kind I purchased in a local store was found to contain twenty-seven parts per million (ppm) of lead, 597 ppm of cadmium, and was comprised of nineteen percent DEHP," said Twin Cities activist and parent, Jackie Hunt Christensen. "As a mother of a toddler, I am concerned that these toys aimed at older children can still pose a health threat to infants and toddlers. I am convinced the best way I can protect my children from these poisons is to avoid all vinyl toys and children's products. I do not trust the toy industry to protect my children for me."

For additional information and study results, go to the Greenpeace Web site at www.greenpeaceusa.org/features/toys2.htm.