Phthalate BPA Testing — Regulations and Standards
Phthalates
Bisphenol A
Section 108 of the CPSIA specifies that as of February 10, 2009, “it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any children’s toy or child care article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of DEHP, DBP, or BBP and “it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any children’s toy that can be placed in a child’s mouth or child care article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of phthalate compounds ” DINP, DIDP, DnOP.
A Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used to make plastics and is used in some plastic additives. Bisphenol A’s primary use is in the manufacture of plastics (primarily epoxy resins and polycarbonate).
Suspected of being hazardous to humans, reports began circulating in 2008 regarding consumer concerns regarding the use of BPA, particularly in infant bottles and food and beverage containers. In response, retailers removed suspect products from sale and the industry responded by supply polycarbonate alternatives to alleviate consumer fears.
Senator Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) introduced legislation that would ban Bisphenol A from infants products, and on March 13 leaders from the House and Senate followed suit with proposals to ban Bisphenol A from some consumer products and toys.