Discussion:
Many of the plastic toys that babies and toddlers love to gnaw on are made with chemicals (phthalates) that are used to soften the plastic. Teething rings, squeeze toys, bathtub toys, and many other playthings have concentrations of the chemical exceeding 50%. Recent studies have suggested that phthalates may be linked to liver and kidney damange if ingested. Although no government edict has been issued banning the use of these chemicals in childeren's toys, the Consumer Products Safety Council has recommended that manufacturers stop using them until more research is done. Several manufacturers have discontinued using these chemicals in teething rings, but they continue to be used in a variety of infants' and children's toys. Their use will probably continue until scientists can find a biodegradable, nonpetroleum replacement for phthalates.
1. what stand do you feel the u.s government should take on this issue?
2. what role should the u.s food and drug administration play in this issue, given that studies have not yet shown conclusively that ingesting phthalates can lead to liver and kidney damage?
3. what do you feel the toy manufacturers should do while they wait for the discovery of a safer softening agent?