This article was kindly contributed by VUP Baby - retailer of selected, toxin-free baby products from around the world

Children, particularly infants, are extremely vulnerable to toxic chemicals as their bodies are still developing. Studies have demonstrated that phthalates such as DINP pose hazards in animals which raises concerns for infants and young children chewing on PVC toys. Studies have demonstrated links between DINP and cancer, adverse impacts on the reproductive system, kidneys, liver, and blood.

Specifically, studies have shown that phthalates can damage:

the liver

the kidneys

the lungs

the reproductive system - especially the developing testes

The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2002 review found that the DINP phthalate was actually more toxic than previously thought and even lowered the maximum amount of DINP that could be consumed without potential health effects — called the “acceptable daily intake” – by 20 percent, despite chemical industry requests to raise the level. The CPSC also confirmed that DINP leaches from the toys through children’s mouthing. Based on measurements of the rate of leaching they concluded that children would exceed the acceptable daily intake after 75 minutes of mouthing vinyl toys.

Is it prudent to allow the sale of products that children put in their mouths before fully testing their chemical ingredients? In the mid 80s the US toy industry began using DINP as a “safer” substitute for DEHP. They did this without fully testing DINP. But in the late 90s The NY Times reported on an industry study showing DINP causing cancer in the livers of rats.

No one questions that the DINP is biologically available to any child who sucks on a PVC toy made with the DINP phthalate. Industry simply contends that children don’t consume enough DINP to put them at risk. Phthalates leach from PVC toys like water from a wet sponge.

If safer alternatives are available, why take a risk? We stopped exposing children to lead paint. We stopped allowing children to smoke. We must take steps towards the next generation in public health policy by getting unnecessary dangerous chemicals such as phthalates and PVC off the market and replacing them with healthier alternatives.

There are many safer plastics and other materials on the market that do not leach chemicals to the degree that PVC products do. Why waste time and taxes trying to figure out how much you can expose children to before they are in danger? Who does that best serve - the chemical maker; the toy maker; or an infant?

Many leading bottle and cup retailers, including VUPbaby offer leading-brand BPA-free bottles and cups, such as MAM, Born Free and bibi - all available online for delivery direct to your door. Further information on their BPA-free range can be obtained from the website; www.vupbaby.co.uk.

About VUPbaby
VUPbaby was created out of concern about the chemicals used in everyday products for babies and the scientific studies showing the impact these have on children's health.

VUPbaby are dedicated to providing our customers with a range of carefully selected, toxic-free products from around the world. Our products are both practical and stylish. On our website you will find some ideas for gifts as well as a few Very Useful Products for mummy.

We are passionate about providing useful and practical information about our products - indicating those that are non-toxic to help you make an informed decision about your child’s health.

With us you can shop with confidence, safe in the knowledge that our baby products have been carefully vetted. We would love to hear your comments and suggestions, please visit our website; www.vupbaby.co.uk or contact us at info@vupbaby.co.uk.