< Back to Previous Page Studies Show That Phthalates Contribute To Developmental Defects in Babies The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) imposed a permanent ban on certain phthalates used in children’s toys because of their potential for developmental defects and long-term health problems in children.  The ban focuses on three types of phthalates and the ban only applies to toys made and marketed for children less than 12 years of age.  Congress approved the nationwide ban after studies proved the harmful developmental defects and long-term health problems associated with the ingestion of these harmful chemicals by children. The three phthalates considered dangerous and banded by the CPSC are: DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) DBP (Di-n-butyl phthalate) BBP (n-butyl benzyl phthalate) Phthalates were typically used as an additive to plastic toys because it made plastic pliable and soft.  That made them ideal for toys such as teething rings and rubber ducks but they are also commonly used in paint, floor tiles, nail polish, vinyl shower curtains, artificial leather, PVC materials, and soft books.   According to the studies, the products made with these phthalates can be extremely dangerous and lead to developmental and long-term health problems for children if they are swallowed or placed in the mouth and gnawed on by young children.  The toxins found in phthalates can be digested if ingested that is why the original ban on children’s toys was passed but all products with these chemicals should be kept away from children.  Some of the developmental defects and long-term health problems include hormone problems and reproductive defects.