EHN reports on chemicals of high concern in children (CHCC)

Environmental Health News (EHN) has published a special report on chemicals of high concern in children (CHCC).

In the report, EHN assessed the filings of 59 brands and retailers, as per Washington state’s Children's Safe Product Act, which requires reporting of CHCCs.

EHN's analysis found that cobalt was the most-commonly reported substance, appearing in over 1,200 products in 40 categories, including plastic building blocks, surface coatings in ride-on toys, and infant feeding bibs.

Ethylene glycol was the second most reported substance, appearing in over 1,000 products, including infant feeding bibs, dolls, and costumes.

Other commonly-reported substances included antimony, molybdenum, methyl ethyl ketone, bisphenol A, and parabens.

In its report, EHN quoted industry associations, such as the Toy Industry Association (TIA), which reinforced, the mere presence of a substance in a product doesn't necessarily indicate risk, saying, "There may be no exposure to the substance whatsoever."

Further, the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association (JPMA) questioned whether the reporting requirements do much to aid to consumers, saying, "Reporting mere content without risk for the sake of reporting is not productive, and there remains much confusion about such reporting."

For more on Washington's Children's Safe Product Act, and other similar reporting regulations, contact Compliance & Risks!