Judge Rules That Toys With Banned Toxin Must Go

A win for consumers and a win for kids. Safety before profits. I have to say I was glad to see this ruling come down from Judge Paul Gardephe of the United States District Court in Manhattan.

Here's what is going on. Next week a ban goes into effect that will not let toys containing toxic manufacturing chemicals remain on store shelves. Unfortunately there was a loophole that had to be addressed by the Court. The question was "could toys that were made before the ban is innitiated be allowed to remain on store shelves." Manufactures have said that it would cost a lot of money to take the products off the shelves and consumer advocates argued who cares, we are talking about the safety of our fellow human beings, many of which are kids.

Well the safety issue won and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has decided not to appeal the ruling. To me this seems obvious but I guess that's me. The issue relates to phthalates, chemicals used to soften plastics. This stuff is found in things like bath toys, books, bibs, dolls, plastic figures and get this, teethers. Something designed for our children to put in their mouth.

Here's what scares me about arguing against this law. Phthalates can be absorbed through the mouth or skin, interfering with reproductive hormones. A federal law signed last summer bans the chemicals from toys. Can you imagine actually allowing a teether that is designed to go into a child's mouth remain on the shelves without letting the parent know it is dangerous for their child. That amazes me but thankfully it looks like that issue has been resolved.

If you want to read more about this here is an article form the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/business/06toys.html?_r=1&ref=business

Art Kosieradzki