I completely understand the concerns of consumers and those who may not have advanced knowledge of chemicals, elements and compounds used in consumer products, but it is starting to get out of hand. What most epople dont understand or know is that virtually every material used in your home contains some traces of lead or other elements that state law makers feel are a hazard to children’s development.

The layman also doesn’t understand that lead can only be deadly if consumed in very high dosages and has little if not affect on children’s physical, emotional or phsycological development when exposed to it in small dosages over a long period of time. lead is in the water you drink everyday from your tap. lead is in the power cords of your children’s gaming console or even in the blinds used on your windows. It is everywhere.

Now the subject turns to pthalates: Phthalates are used again in a variety of products, from nail polish to touch screen technology. I however agree that banning the use of phthalates in feeding utensils, teethers and bottle nipples is necessary, but people dont realize that California’s ban is nothing new. Phthalates have not been used in these items for years. Why? because manufacturing groups gather to discuss the hazards associated with these chemicals and create their own requirements far in advance of any federal or state legsilation.

California has not discovered anything new. there have been countless studies performed that directly link chemicals like DEHP and DINP to genital deformation or have hormonal affects in children and preganant women. yes, it is necessary to ban phthalates in certain products and the same goes for lead, cadmium, selenium, chromium, aresenic and countless other elements. But rememnber folks, all of this comes from the earth in one form or another. Check your bottle of multi vitamin when you get home and see which of the elements above are in your daily dosage of vitamins. Its actually good for you, but too much of a good thing is bad. Banning these elements is not always the answer. Controlling the levels used in certain products is.

The media does nothing but cause a stir in the consumer market and make people think their children are at danger, when in fact 99% of the time, there is no risk at all. Chinese products are not the problem. the media is the issue. This will continue and in five years and the product you purchase today for $1 will cost $4.

By Tim S. on Jan 14, 2008