Just in time for the holiday season, healthystuff.org released its third annual report on toxic chemicals in children’s toys.
As the press release notes, 32% of the 700 toys that researchers tested this past year contained one or more hazardous chemicals (including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and bromine).
On the list of toxic toys? A “Dora the Explorer Activity Tote,” which contains high levels of arsenic and lead. Additional products that contain high levels of chemicals can be viewed here.
Chemicals found in common household products are regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), passed in 1976. With more than 80,000 chemicals currently available here in the U.S., there is mounting concern among public officials that the EPA lacks the regulatory power to monitor their use and application (the EPA currently requires testing on about 200 chemicals).
For a full list of products–and to search for healthy alternatives–visit the website, sponsored by the non-profit Ecology Center and the Healthy Legacy Coalition.