Congress in August passed a landmark consumer safety law that raises standards for toys and virtually bans several hormone-like chemicals called phthalates in products for children under 12. A recent study found that baby boys born to mothers with high phthalate levels were more likely than others to have undescended testicles and small penises. Scientists say people can be exposed to phthalates through dust, and that babies can be exposed by chewing on toys such as rubber bathtub ducks.
Lawmakers wanted toys with the controversial chemicals to be off the market when the law takes effect February 10, according to a statement from Senator Dianne Feinstein, co-author of the ban.
Last week, however, a staff attorney at the agency responsible for carrying out the new regulations — the Consumer Product Safety Commission — released a legal opinion stating that stores may continue to sell toys with phthalates, as long as those items were made before February 10. That could allow toys with phthalates to remain on the shelves for years, with no way for parents to know which toys contain the chemicals.
The CPSC's interpretation of the safety bill "is harmful to our children and a blatant disregard for the law," Senator Barbara Boxer said in a statement. "[Their] claim that our intent was not clear is a pathetic and transparent attempt to avoid enforcing this law. It is beyond me that as they exit the scene, this administration is still carrying out its malicious actions to weaken environmental protection for our families."
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