Toys & More: What’s Behind that Smell?

The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental nonprofit Resilient Palisades to deliver a weekly “green tip” to our readers. This week’s tip was written by Sheda Morshed.

I recently purchased a few plush animals for a holiday toy drive. Although I usually opt for eco-friendly products, I was under a time crunch. While unwrapping the first two toys, I knew I had to return them. I was hit with the strong smell of chemicals that I knew were not safe for children.

Although I suspected I was smelling formaldehyde—a carcinogen commonly found in textiles and fabrics, from furniture to toys—I was curious to see what else it could be. I was stunned to learn about a long list of harmful chemicals commonly found in toys sold in the United States:

Lead (banned since 1978 but found in painted toys imported from China and other countries)

PVC and Phthalates (found in many outdoor toys)

Bisphenols (BPA + BPS)

Flame retardant chemicals

Formaldehyde

In the U.S., toys are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Unfortunately, toy safety tests are minimal. Instead, consumer complaints and incidents are what result in most testing and recalls.

Conversely, the European Union has already banned the use of the above-listed compounds in toy manufacturing due to their high levels of toxicity, mutagenic or reproductively harmful properties.

In America, it’s left to consumers to do the work. Luckily, many of us are now increasingly vocal about demanding clean, safe products. So whether you’re shopping for a toy drive or buying a new sofa, use the below shopper’s guide for products that may cost a little more upfront but offer peace of mind:

For new toys, only buy those made in Canada, a European Union country or the certified Global Organic Textile Standard.

Avoid plastic toys and other plastic products, especially for kids and pets.

When choosing new furniture, garments and other textiles, buy only GOTS certified.

Use Etsy and other online second-hand and handmade markets for products that will have less or zero off-gassing.

Happy Holidays!