What standards does CPSIA set for phthalates?
The new law bans three phthalates, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), at concentrations of more than 0.1% in toys or child care articles (defined as products designed “to facilitate sleep or the feeding of children age 3 and younger, or to help such children with sucking or teething.”) The law also establishes an interim ban, pending review by scientific advisors, on three other phthalates, diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), or di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), at concentration so more than 0.1%, in toys that can be mouthed and in child care articles. The phthalate standard is also effective February 10. However, CPSC has stated that the new phthalate rules apply only to products manufactured after February 9, 2009, ie, products with phthalates can be sold after that date if they were manufactured before February 9. This decision has raised concern among some members of Congress, who say that their intent was
