California wants consumers to know that a chemical used in some kids products are known carcinogens.
Toxic chemical diisononyl phthalate (DINP), manufactured by Exxon Mobil and other petrochemical companies, is being added to the California list of chemicals known to cause cancer, known as Proposition 65.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) said, “The CIC (Carcinogen Identification Committee) determined that the chemical was clearly shown, through scientifically valid testing according to generally accepted principles, to cause cancer.” DINP is a phthalate plasticiser widely used in vinyl (PVC) soft and flexible toys and childcare items. Soft vinyl has been very popular for toy production. Famously, soft vinyl “rubberduckies” are an iconic use of this carcinogenic chemical in toys.
So what does this mean for small businesses?
Small retailers are in the business of providing products to make the lives of families and children better, not unknowingly putting their health in danger. Small businesses need the information and transparency on toxic chemicals that are in the products that they sell or use in manufacturing. With this we can play an important role in driving these toxic chemicals out of the marketplace by demanding that safer chemicals be developed and used.
See the full press release from the Workgroup for Safe Markets here.