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TIA and Toy Safety
By Tim Connolly
February 1, 2003
In the News
PVC,
or more specifically, diisononyl phthalate, is at the heart of a
high profile toy safety debate involving TIA, American and European
government. regulatory agencies, and more recently, a U.S. PIRG
(Public Interest Research Group). Phthalates are used to make certain
plastic toys, like teethers more pliable. In 1998, several environmental
groups filed a petition urging the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) to ban phthalates, contending that the substance
poses serious health risks for children.
The
CPSC recommended denial of the petition, stating that, “The
staff believes that there is no demonstrated health risk posed by
PVC toys or other products intended for children five years of age
and under….” CPSC is still studying the issue, but in
1998 many toy companies voluntarily removed phthalates from their
toys until the final verdict came in. PIRG, however, is still pushing
for a ban.
“You
have to question their motives,” said Joan Lawrence, TIA’s
Vice President of Standards and Regulatory Affairs, referring to
PIRG’s annual pre-holiday media events focusing on “unsafe”
toys. “Certain groups know that toys and children are a great
attention-getter. Facts fall to the back burner at that point.”
As
an example, Lawrence cites the method in which data on phthalates
was collected. “It comes from studies done on rodents fed
very high doses of phthalates—levels to which humans would
most likely not be exposed to. Many scientists believe that rodents
have a chemical receptor which makes them more prone to adverse
health effects. Humans don’t have this [receptor].
“We’ve
always tried to be ahead of the curve” she said, referring
to TIA’s proactive approach to toy safety. “We were
the first industry to have such a comprehensive [safety] code—before
it showed up in the news. Children are our main customer, so we
have to protect them.” (Cont.)
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