Phthalates are chemicals that are used to increase flexibility in plastics and other materials.
According to a recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) news release, the CPSC has approved new third-party testing requirements for phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles by a unanimous vote of 5-0. The new testing requirements have been established in an effort to ensure that child products meet federal phthalates limits.
The latest testing requirements accompany other standards set previously by the CPSC to regulate phthalates in children’s products. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA):
- Banned the use of three phthalates in concentrations over 0.1 percent permanently; and
- Banned the use of three others phthalates in concentrations of over 0.1 percent, temporarily, for child products that can be chewed, mouthed, or sucked.
It has been illegal to manufacture or sell products that violate the standards listed above since February 2009. The new testing requirements will help ensure compliance with these standards. All manufacturers, private labelers and importers will be given until December 31, 2011 to implement a third-party testing program. Only parts that would contain phthalates, such as plastic, will be tested and must be certified as safe under the standards.
As a parent, you expect that all child products would be produced with your child’s safety in mind, but, on occasion, children’s toys, cribs, care articles and other products contain defects, including toxins, that make them dangerous. At Blume Forte, our knowledgeable children’s product liability attorneys in New Jersey have years of experience in successfully obtaining favorable recoveries for those with meritorious claims. If you or your child have been injured by a defective product in New Jersey, our lawyers may be able to help. Contact us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost evaluation of your potential claim.