HealthyStuff.org
Product Safety
HealthyStuff.org is an initial screening of chemicals in products for a handful of hazardous chemicals. There are a number of chemicals of concern that the x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device and HealthyStuff.org cannot detect. For example, there has been much concern recently about bisphenol A, a component of polycarbonate plastic. The XRF is not able to detect bisphenol A, nor can it identify polycarbonate. In addition, the XRF cannot detect phthalates, a family of chemicals of concern, although we have used the presence of PVC plastic as a surrogate for the possible presence of phthalates. The CPSC regulated six phthalates for the first time beginning in 2009 in toys for children under 12 and childcare products for children under 3. See a summary of provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (PDF).
Even if a product was found to have a LOW rating for the chemicals tested on HealthyStuff.org, it does not necessarily mean the product is safe. Poorly designed or manufactured products can cause falls, choking, strangulation, burns, drowning, and poisoning. In addition, the XRF can only test for a subset of known chemicals of concern.
Toxics in Products
- CHE Toxicant and Disease Database - Searchable database that summarizes links between chemical contaminants and approximately 180 human diseases or conditions
- Public Health Statements from CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - This website provides information on known and suspected health effects of many chemicals
Product Recalls
- For information on all product recalls, see: http://www.recalls.gov/
- For all lead recalls, see http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/haz.aspx
Toys
It is important to note that lead in toys is only one source of lead exposure for children. The largest source of lead for most children is still paint in older homes. For more information on the safety of toys and childcare products, check out:
- American Academy of Pediatrics Toy Safety Resources
- CDC’s tips on reducing lead exposure for children and pregnant women
- US PIRG’s Annual Toy Safety Report
- “Kids in Danger” product safety information
For the latest on toys or childcare products recalled for any reason, see: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.
If you suspect that a product is unsafe, or to report an unsafe product, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the internet, or by phone: http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html or 1-800-636-CPSC. To receive email recall alerts from CPSC, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.
Cars
- Department of Transportation's SaferCar.gov
- Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars and the Need for Safe Alternatives - Ecology Center
- Don't Breath and Drive? Pollutants Lurk Inside Vehicles - Environmental Health Perspectives
Children's Car Seats & Other Products
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Child Passenger Safety
- Safety Belt Safe USA
Pet Products
The Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) provides consumer updates and timely articles covering pet product approvals, safety warnings, and other health information for you and your family.
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