By Martin Mittelstaedt
Health Canada plans to ban the “rubber duck chemicals,” six compounds widely used in the manufacture of soft plastic children's toys, after similar restrictions in the United States and the European Union.
Scientists have raised alarms about the compounds, known as phthalates, because they may block the production of testosterone, a critical male hormone.
There is growing scientific evidence – disputed by makers of the chemical – that everyday exposures can cause a slight feminization of baby boys, particularly during fetal development.
Phthalates are among the most common chemicals added to plastic, making it more pliable and less brittle. They are also found in cosmetics and other personal care products, although the new Health Canada regulations would not cover that variety, known as DEP.
Health Canada also said it would propose a cut to the amount of lead allowed in consumer products, such as paints on toys and children's jewellery.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said in a statement that the measures would “help ensure that products intended for children are safe.… This is part of our overall effort to ensure that families have confidence in the quality and safety of what they buy.”
The Arlington, Va.-based American Chemistry Council, which represents phthalate manufacturers (Exxon Mobil, BASF, Ferro Corp., Teknor Apex and Eastman Chemical), denounced the proposal, saying it was not supported by science.
“There is no scientific basis to believe that Health Canada's decision to restrict certain phthalates in children's products will improve public health or meet the stated objective of protecting the health and safety of Canadian children,” said Sharon Kneiss, an ACC vice-president.
The government's action was welcomed by environmentalists, who have been lobbying for such restrictions, in part because of worries that Canada would become a market for the remaining inventory of toys blocked from the United States. The phthalate ban in the U.S. went into effect in February; Europe has had restrictions for nearly 10 years.
Canada risked becoming a “toxic dumping ground for crappy toys that the rest of the world doesn't want,” said Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, an advocacy group.
Mr. Smith asserted that Health Canada's move “is the beginning of the end for this chemical. I mean, if the chemical is so toxic that it should not be included in rubber ducks, it's then logically the case this chemical is too toxic to be in baby shampoos, it's too toxic to be in adult products.”
The public will have 75 days to comment on the proposed bansregulations banning the chemicals, after which time the government is expected to enact them.
Health Canada said it took the action because of concern that children might be ingesting small amounts of phthalates by sucking or chewing on soft vinyl toys, vinyl bibs or plastic school supplies. Phthalates have been banned in objects meant to be mouthed by children, such as baby-bottle nipples and teethers, since 1998. Hard plastic toys do not contain phthalates.
The regulatory action was based on studies suggesting that certain phthalates may be a reproductive hazard, or cause liver and kidney failure in young children, according to Health Canada.
However, one of the leading scientists studying phthalates says their biggest potential health danger is likely to be during fetal development.
Shanna Swan, director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology at the University of Rochester's school of medicine, published research last year that found a smaller penis size and a reduced distance between the anus and genitals in boys whose mothers had above average levels of phthalates during pregnancy.
“These bans are good but they don't of course address the risks to pregnant women,” Dr. Swan said in an interview.
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