The phthalates are going to be a BIG issue in going forward

[julianne]

Seems the testing for phthalates is more costly. And unfortunately, the folks that are pushing this law are crazy.

Here is some information that I pulled off the web about where all phthalates are used. I'm just curious: are they going after ALL production that includes these phthalates where children could be exposed? This would really cuase a great deal of distress in almost every aspect of our life.

I have always used a "down to earth" approach to raising my children. I've told many folks that I thought the multiple shots given to infants were going to cause problems. Wish I weren't forced to do it (they didn't let you start opting out until after my last). I let my kids play in the dirt and climb trees and go fishing. I've never run around with a bottle of hand-sanitizer trying to be overprotective of my kids. As a wonderful reward, my kids have a wonderful immune system.

REad this information. Get ready. It's shocking.

Here's a list of information I gathered:
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In one study, babies in neonatal intensive care units using phthalate-containing vinyl medical products had levels of phthalates seven times higher than babies in a hospital not using phthalate-containing products. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to phthalate exposure because they put plastic objects in their mouths.

the single most prominent source of phthalates (in infants) may be the crib mattress that a baby sleeps on.

DEHP is found in a variety of medical products and devices used in NICUs, including examination gloves, bags containing blood, plasma, intravenous (IV) fluids and tubing and other products associated with the delivery of fluids, nutrients, and air to NICU infants. The researchers assessed the use of DEHP-containing products in the care of 54 infants admitted to one of two NICUs, and examined the intensity of use of these products in relation to levels of MEHP in the infants' urine.

For example, a new vinyl shower curtain can elevate indoor air toxics concentrations for over a month.

Phthalates are also added to many cosmetics and personal care products including scented lotion, aftershave, nail polish, and hair spray, shampoo, perfume, lipstick, vinyl flooring, car care products, personal care products, adhesives, the vinyl flooring, plastics used to wrap food, vinyl windows, caulk, yoga mats, shoes, clothes, billboard signs, car interiors,and sealants.

building and furniture materials, including furniture upholstery, mattresses, wall coverings, floor tiles, and vinyl flooring.

We found that reported use of baby lotion, baby shampoo, and baby powder was associated with increased concentrations of monethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), and monoisobutyl phthalate (MIBP) in infant urine

[ElisaAlvarado]

Interesting....Thanks for the info.

[Former_Member]

Thanks! My husband and I, like you, try to be a bit more common sensical about parenting. We watch what the kids do, keep them as safe as they can, but don't sweat the bruises, cuts, scrapes and -- eek -- germs. Yes, we had them immunized; not one had any sort of reaction (we are in the lucky majority).

Your information points out that kids are surrounded by these things in their households and day-to-day existences. (Not stating good or bad, just fact.) So then I pose the (albeit rhetorical) question of: why do I need to test my cotton and polyester fabrics for these phthalates (since I make bibs and blankets), when all testing gathered shows there's none (or only trace amounts) there?

Does your source state what the effects of exposure are? I've only heard little bits here and there and not all is conclusive. I'd like to learn more.

[Former_Member]

This is hilarious---because in the law the very items that pose the greatest risk for exposure are the very items that are exempted(medical supplies) or not covered at all as they are not viewed as items directly produced for children(household items/cosmetics, etc.)I agree with Littlethings:

So why am I testing my 100% cotton materials for this chemical?

[Former_Member]

I happen to have someone currently staying at my home who just lost her job in the automotive industry working with and reporting the chemical analysis of every single component that goes into making a car.

It's been very educational having her at my side to explain a lot of this CPSIA stuff as we've been going through it.

She said that there are hundreds of different types of phthalates. They're virtually in anything made of plastic.

The law is most likely about reducing and/or banning the worst ones.

We will probably have to further educate ourselves to differentiate between them.

[LaurieRyan]

exactly; these chemicals are not even found in most of the items we make here on etsy so why should we go to that horrible expense to test our items???????

[Former_Member]

interesting

[Former_Member]

Thanks, ittybittyrevolution! Has anyone priced out the testing? (I haven't dared... the anecdotal reports are hundreds per test.) Or, are we going to find the same situation as with lead testing at approved labs: they won't work with small businesses?

I'm not against a reasonable testing program (which I'm undergoing now in preparation of 2/10; builds up my confidence (and thus my customers' confidence) in the products I make and offer for sale. That is one hoop I will jump through to the best of my ability.

But I cannot test for phthalates reasonably; this isn't something I can do with my kids' science kits at the kitchen table. Of course, I could learn chemistry (a herculean task for my feeble mind), set up a lab in my basement (surely there are laws against THAT), and become accredited. That would probably be the same cost as testing all my fabrics to begin with.

So here I am, at square 1.

[Former_Member]

On a price list I received from a tester, phthalate testing was $325. I don't know how phthalate testing works (if it's per item or per component), but it's more expensive than lead testing as far as I can tell.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, littlepinkposies. That's about what I thought. Ugh!

Does anyone have a good link for information regarding phthalates and risks from exposure? I need to do some more reading up on this part of the issue.

[Former_Member]

I think that eventually the phthalate testing portion of the regulations will be narrowed to focus on the main culprits (i.e., plastics and vinyl). But for now, it's little comfort. As it stands, I would have to get my unfinished, untreated wooden pieces tested for phthalates - it makes no sense at all.

[Former_Member]

Here's what it says on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate

And, frankly, I don't really trust any info put out by consumer groups right now.

[julianne]

Based on the information I've read, seems the FDA is less concerned than the activist groups. But the activist groups are the ones that had this law put into place.

They claim it has very serious consequences for children, infertility being one.

And yes, the cost of this testing is much higher than the testing for lead. And as mentioned, its in virtually everything plastic. The studies I read (admittedly by the folks actively encouraging folks to eliminate any contact) were critical of even hospitals.

So, that brings me to my point. I'm supposed to pay $325 to have a one-of-a-kind item tested....the testing destoys the item (I think), and the cotton, thread, buttons, and zipper proved safe. However, a baby born premature, on a hospital bed surrounded by the crazy substance is perfectly legal. Sounds like a case of money buys happiness to me.

Same as the fact that China has plenty of testing facilities at reasonable cost..........and THEY ARE THE ONES that caused all this mess in the first place. So, they have the 3rd party testing available, THEY JUST DON'T USE IT. They've ignored our laws all along. What, in Heaven's name, does our government think making ONE MORE law is going to accomplish?

Oooooo. I can tell China is scared. They'll buckle down for a bit, for sure.

That said, I am still not convinced that any item in my house that I use to make children's clothing is toxic. I do have (and use) vintage. Vintage buttons, vintage fabric, vintage anything. But nobody can tell me that my clothes, quilts, or blankets are toxic. (or at least any more toxic than the crib mattress used in the hospital).

[Former_Member]

I have been trying, with no success, to get lead and phthalates info on chalk board fabric. My answer from my supplier was "We do not have that information". Hmmmmm

[germandolls]

I wonder how that will affect Mc Donald's Dollar meal toys...

[germandolls]

I mean Kiddy meals of course! I am pretty sure you don't want your infant sucking on them...

[Former_Member]

Amen, julianne! Of course, we shouldn't p*** off China too much, or they'll call in our debt...

I actually have a kid who was born eight weeks early. He spent a month in a NICU unit. Most likely, he was exposed to more phthalates there in that month than in the ten years he's been out in the world. To be frank, I'm rather thankful he had those items available that were essential for his care during that month. Now he's a happy and very healthy (albeit mouthy and snarky) almost-11-year-old.

[julianne]

Yeah. My son (now 12) was breach and emergency C section. Spent about 2 days in NICU. I, also, am glad that he's also a happy and healthy (with poor study skills and cheeky).

However, I also don't freak out at every little thing they think is harmful. After all, not too long ago, "they" declared that bacon causes cancer. I've never stopped eating it. I just love bacon! I also love fatback, and there aren't many of us left that actually purchase fatback. When my other two came along, everyone was going through that "hand sanitizer" craziness. Never gave in to that (unless in hospital or some other infectious germ-infested place).

Now, I lost my mom a couple of years ago and learned a great deal about some pretty scarry stuff out there that is now community acquired. That, unfortunately, the news does NOT cover. That would cause panic.....same as if this law got into the hands of average Americans and they understood the consequences of it.

Thanks everyone for your input. I honestly think if we cut off China, that would end most of our problems. Pay 'em off what we owe 'em and save all the excess from the stimulus (bringing back all those jobs would stimulate our economy just fine). And because China is communist, they allow ONLY the news to get out that they WANT to get out. Hmmmmm. Go figure. We are just sitting ducks.

Can't wait to see in a couple of weeks what comes of the testing on the drywall that was causing health issues in Florida (imported from China).

Later folks. Gotta fix & eat dinner & get the kids ready for church.

[Former_Member]

so it IS in shampoo!

[Former_Member]

everything i read said that the labs won't do this test on items that aren't known to have the chemicals.

[meredithdillman]

everything i read said that the labs won't do this test on items that aren't known to have the chemicals.
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ha...hahahahaa... how ironic

[Former_Member]

it's actually a good thing, right? i mean, not on all levels, but, that some labs aren't going to charge you for a test you don't need...??


and the CPSC's release on the stay, refers specifically to plastic and vinyl.

[Former_Member]

germandolls
germandolls says:
I wonder how that will affect Mc Donald's Dollar meal toys..
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That's why CPSIA includes "distribution" and not just sales, most Happy Meal toys come from China I'm sure.

[Former_Member]

staceyJEANonline says:
so it IS in shampoo!
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Guess I'll stop drinking my shampoo...

[Former_Member]

Seriously, I make a bib, cotton fabrics, velcro, thread. Because it's a "child care item" I have to test for phthalates. According to the anecdotal evidence (thank you meredithdillman), labs won't test on items not known to have phthalates. So.... I cannot sell the bib because I cannot get a phthalates test on the fabric/notions because those are items are *not known* to have phthalates. Hmmm.

Calgon, take me away!