Phthalates May Pose a Risk in Many Children’s Products

EMSL Analytical provides phthalate testing solutions to both consumers and manufacturers of children’s products.

Westmont, NJ, September 16th, 2009

In the February issue of the Pediatrics journal a study reported that a number of common baby products may be exposing children to a group of chemicals known as phthalates. 163 infants were part of the study that measured phthalates in their urine. All 163 infants had at least one measurable type of phthalate detected.

Phthalates are used in many children’s products as fragrance stabilizers and to keep plastics flexible, durable and transparent. The list of phthalate containing products includes toys, personal care products and even medical products. Phthalates can be released from the products quite easily, especially as the products age, because there is no covalent bond between the chemicals and the plastics they are mixed with.

Exposure to phthalates can be through direct use or indirectly from the chemical leaching into foods or the general environment. With regards to infants and small children, their tendency to put products into their mouths can also greatly increase phthalate exposure. One recent product test by EMSL Analytical, one of the leading independent consumer products testing laboratories, even found that soft sided lunch boxes can transfer phthalates through saliva.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced earlier this year that EMSL Analytical is an accredited laboratory for testing for Phthalate Content, Test Method CPSC-CH-C1001. This recognition further demonstrated the pledge that EMSL has made to provide the highest level of quality analysis possible by complying with all necessary regulating bodies.

“Because phthalates are known endocrine disruptors it is especially important to minimize their exposure to children and pregnant women,” stated Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The consumer products testing that EMSL’s state-of-the-art laboratory provides can quickly and accurately test for these chemicals in children’s products and everyday household items.”

To learn more about phthalates, consumer product testing or other testing services contact EMSL Analytical at (800) 220-3675, email info@EMSL.com or visit www.ConsumerProductsTesting.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading, national provider of environmental, consumer products and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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