Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine > Campaigns

Although hundreds of toxic chemicals are used to make products that our children put in their mouths, play with, or wear, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has little authority and virtually no resources to regulate or restrict these chemicals. Lead-contaminated toys from China are just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is that there is virtually no government oversight on chemicals used to manufacture any toys or children’s products – even those made in the United States. Policy changes are needed to keep toxic chemicals out of products intended for our kids.

Babies and young children are the most vulnerable to toxic chemicals since their brains and bodies are still developing and because they frequently put toys into their mouths. Toxic chemicals have no place in children’s toys, period. We shouldn't pretend that there is a safe level of exposure to toxins like lead or cadmium. Even low-level toxic chemical exposures can have lifelong impacts. Getting toxic chemicals out of children’s toys is a moral and medical imperative.

Talking Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Chemicals Of Primary Concern
Toxic Toys Exposed - National Toy Database Offers Guide to Holiday Shoppers. Environmental and Health Organizations Call for Broad Reform.
Safe products top list of baby presents (Op-Ed by Environmental Health Strategy Center Associate Director Amanda Sears, Portland Press Herald, 8/26/07)
Are Your Kids' Toys Safe?

Chemical Policy Reform Under Way In Maine!