Special Feature - FAQ 1: Are there tell-tale signs that a toy might contain phthalates?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Posted by Healthy Child

The phthalates found in toys are used as a plastic softener in polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl). Some PVC toys may be labeled with a V or #3 inside the chasing arrows triangle usually located on the bottom of a product. Most won’t be labeled at all. Generally, if a toy is a squishy plastic (like rubber duckies and baby dolls) or if it has highly flexible plastic as a component (like the clear pages in child “photo albums,” the clear plastic purses that some girl’s toys are sold in, or the plastic-like “fabric” used on some dolls), you should avoid it or call the manufacturer to ask if the product is made with PVC or phthalates.