Study Says Back-To-School Products Pack Phthalates

A new study finds that children’s back-to-school backpacks and supplies may be packing high amounts of toxic chemicals.

CBS News reports that the study found that 75 percent of all children's school supplies have higher levels of potentially toxic phthalates than allowed in toys by the federal government. The report was released by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, an advocacy group.

The study, “Hidden Hazards: Toxic Chemicals Inside Children’s Vinyl Back-To-School Supplies,” focused on the safety of back-to-school items from New York City dollar stores and retailers. The research discovered that items such as Disney’s Dora the Explorer Backpack and the Disney Princess Lunchbox had higher phthalate levels than the federal limits allowed for toys.

The study observed that phthalates—a class of chemical used to soften vinyl plastic—are hazardous even at low levels of exposure and may cause birth defects, ADHD, early puberty, infertility, asthma, obesity, and diabetes, according to CBS News.

In a comment about the study’s findings, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) told CBS News that he will be pushing for the Safe Chemicals Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). The act aims at giving the Environmental Protection Agency increased authority to regulate chemicals used in consumer products.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law for free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help.  For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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