Environmental Health Initiative
Faith Connections
In 2007 we learned that a large quantity of toys coming in from China contained lead, including in Thomas the Tank Engine.This spurred Congress to act and put limits on how much lead could be in children's toys and banned the use of toxic phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) in toys and other children's products. This law has been a big step forward in protecting children's health.
Yet studies still find that some toys do not meet these standards or that companies are just replacing these chemicals with other neurotoxins or reproductive toxicants like cadmium and tin.
Often times some of the most toxic toys end up in dollar stores and second hand stores leaving low-income children even more at risk.
As people of faith we are called to care for the health and well-being of all God's children and the future generations to come. We are also called purify our body from harmful contaminants. By ensuring that chemicals are safe before they end up in children's toys, we can protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
Learn More
- Center for Environment, Health, and Justice's report on PVC lead, cadmium and tin in toys
- Healthytoys.org testing results
- US Public Interest Research Groups 2010 toy testing results for lead and phthalates.
Other Environmental Health Issues
- Air Quality
- Children’s and Women’s Health
- Cosmetics
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Flame Retardants
- Food and Health
- Lead
- Mercury
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Toxic Chemicals
For More Information Contact:
Chloe Schwabe
Environmental Health Initiative
National Council of Churches
110 Maryland Ave., NE, Suite 108
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 481-6932
info@nccecojustice.org