Study finds toxins in school supplies

Center for Health, Environment & Justice

Children's back-to-school backpacks and other supplies may contain higher levels of potentially toxic chemicals than the government allows in most toys, a new study shows. The study randomly tested 20 back-to-school items purchased in New York City and found that about 75 percent of samples contained high levels of potentially toxic phthalates. New York Sen. Charles Schumer called for new laws to regulate the chemical while discussing the report, which was released by the advocacy group Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) on Sunday.

According to CHEJ, phthalates are a class of chemical used to soften vinyl plastic that is hazardous at even low levels of exposure. The chemicals have been linked to birth defects, early puberty, infertility, asthma, ADHD, obesity and diabetes.

This Disney Princess Lunchbox tested by CHEJ contained an estimated 29,800 ppm of DEHP, a type of phthalate. If this product were a children's toy, this would be over 29 times the federal limit allowed for phthalates in toys.

"School supplies are supposed to help our children with their education, they shouldn't be harming their health," New York Sen. Charles Schumer said of the study's results. "We don't allow high levels of these toxic chemicals in children's toys and we certainly shouldn't allow them in back-to-school products. When kids take their lunch to school this fall, they shouldn't be carrying it in a lunchbox laden with toxic chemicals."

The Amazing Spiderman Lunchbox contained an estimated 27,900 ppm and 22,700 of DEHP in different places, CHEJ found. If this product were a children's toy, it would be over 27 times the limit set by a federal ban.

The Fridge Green 6 Can Cooler contained an estimated 12,800 ppm of DEHP, 12 times the limit set by the federal ban for children's toys.

The Access Bag N Pack Lunch Bag contained an estimated 15,200 ppm of DEHP, 15 times the federal limit for children's toys. It contained two different types of phthalates.

The Dora the Explorer Backpack contained an estimated 16,200 ppm of DEHP, the tests found - 16 times the phthalate limit set by the federal government. The Dora Backpack also contained an estimated 69,300 ppm of DnOP, another phthalate. If the bag was a children's toy that contained any part that could be placed in a child's mouth, it would contain over 69 times the allowable limit.

The Amazing Spiderman Backpack contained an estimated 52,700 parts per million (ppm) and 14,900 ppm of DEHP in two different locations tested. If this product were a children's toy, it would be over 52 times the federal limit.

In addition to plastics, phthalates are found in personal care and beauty products, adhesives, electronics, toys, packaging and even some medication coatings. This Brave Backpack tested by CHEJ contained an estimated 18,600 ppm of DnOP. If this product were a children's toy that contained any part that could be placed in a child's mouth, it would contain over 18 times the phthalate limit.

The WWE "The Rock" Backpack contained an estimated 12,300 ppm of DnOP - over 12 times the federal limit of phthalates.

This Brown Polka Dot/Hot Chocolate Hard Binder tested by CHEJ contained an estimated 11,300 ppm of DnOP, 11 times the limit set by the federal ban.

The Pink Tinted View 1.5-inch Hard Binder contained an estimated 6,100 ppm of DEHP, over six times the limit set by the federal ban. Phthalates were found both inside and outside of this binder.

photo courtesy flickr user CHEJ — Center for Health, Environment & Justice

For the investigation, scientists randomly purchased and tested 20 back-to-school items from New York City dollar stores and other retailers. 56ppm of DEHP was detected on the outside of this binder.

These Smart Fit Kids Pink Rainboots from Payless contained an estimated 20,800 ppm of DEHP - over 20 times the federal limit for toys. The boots also contained an estimated 9,190 ppm of DnOP.

The Smart Fit Kids Multi Rainboot contained an estimated 3,450 ppm of DEHP. If this product were a children's toy, it would be over 3 times the federal limit for phthalates. The boot also contained an estimated 10,200 ppm of DnOP. If this product were a children's toy that contained any part that could be placed in a child's mouth, it would be over 10 times the allowable limit.

The Disney Rain Slicker - Minnie Mouse raincoat contained 25,700 ppm of the phthalate DnOP, over 25 times the limit set by the federal government for toys.

The Spider Sense Spiderman Youth Rain Poncho contained 23,500 ppm of DnOP. If this product were a children's toy, it would contain over 23 times the phthalate limit set by the federal ban.