More States Mull Ban on Phthalates in Toys

Congress and at least nine other states may consider bans on the use of phthalates in toys, now that California has been the first to ban the use of the platicizer in toys designed for children under the age of 3, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The chemical, which makes plastics soft, has been studied extensively in recent years, and some laboratory animal studies suggest possible health risks to normal reproductive and developmental processes.

California's ban takes effect in 2009. Other states reportedly considering bans include Texas, Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington, Maine, Connecticut and New York.

Phthalates are already banned in 14 nations and the European Union, according to the Chronicle.

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