As of February, 2009, manufacturers of crib mattresses, children’s toys and many other children’s goods, were prohibited from using three different types of phthalates in their products. In crib mattresses, phthalates are used to soften PVC/vinyl so it can be used as a waterproof covering. But there are more than three types of phthalates – what’s happening with the rest of them? Is the EPA taking action?
Well, here’s some good news! The EPA now has a Phthalates Action Plan that includes a total of eight phthalates, not just the three already banned. There is progress!
What does the EPA Phthalates Action Plan comprise?
First of all, the agency is planning to list eight phthalates on their newly implemented Chemicals of Concern list – a list of “chemicals that present or may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.” They should be on the list by autumn 2010.
While this doesn’t constitute a ‘ban,’ it certainly does make a very strong statement and is enough to warrant extreme caution. Why would anyone use a crib mattress or any other product for their children that contained chemicals on that list?
Also in late 2010, the agency is going to initiate action to amend the Toxic Release Inventory to include the six phthalates not already on that inventory.
We don’t use phthalates in our Naturepedic crib mattresses or other products, never have, never will, so this action plan doesn’t affect us at all. But it does affect the vast majority of crib mattress manufacturers and, more importantly, tens of millions of children.
Will we soon be rid of these toxic chemicals? There’s hope on the horizon.
Stay tuned for updates!
