Phthalate Testing on Fabric

[Former_Member]

I have been terribly confused on this topic of phthalate testing for fabrics. The wording on the CPSIA's publications and statements regarding phthalate testing on children's items (age 12 and under) has appeared to be a blanket statement requiring all testing on any object used to make children's items.

In my quest to clarify this information the Product Quality Specialist for Hobby Lobby Stores (where I get most of my Minky fabric from) confirmed that phthalate testing is ONLY required for those fabrics that contact a plastic coating, water proofing, or some attached object that may be made from plastic (or similar), stating:

"The General Counsel for the CPSC Cheryl Falvey issued a statement in regards to a request for direction on this issue to the American Apparel and Footwear Association President. She basically stated that phthalates testing is only required on fabric if a plastic coating or added design made from plastics was added to the fabric and the fabric was being used to manufacture a toy or child care article such as a toy costume or baby rattle."

Below is a link to her letter.

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/321.pdf

[LaurieRyan]

I would ask why this needs to be done as this chemical is only used to make plastics soft IE medical equiptment use this chemical not fabrics

[Former_Member]

Well unlike the clearly defined exempt data for lead testing that was published, I have not been able to find any clear, agreed upon, data confirming exemptions for Phthatles.

I will say that they do exist beyond just what we know as 'plastics'. A person in the know on another thread commented that they are commonly found in material used to make canvas backpacks and such, as it resides in the weather proofing aspect of the fabric. Additionally there was debate as to whether the industrial inks used in the dye process could contain phthalates.

[Former_Member]

from all my research, I found under "items exempt from phthalates testing" that "ordinary fabrics from natural or synthetic fibers like polyester and cotton (among others) are exempt. So if your minky is polyester then you would not have to have testing. However, from further research, you still need labeling (even if exempt from everything) if the product is for children under 12