The debate over potentially toxic compounds used in plastic production has created new testing methods and regulations controlling or banning plasticizers such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA). Children’s products are often targeted for testing and regulation because the potential for toxic exposure is greater for children than for adults. The US has started to limit levels of some phthalates, including DEP, DEHP, DBP, BBP, for use in children’s’ products, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has published testing methods for these regulated phthalates. The regulation of BPA, however, remains under debate. This study examines the levels of phthalates and BPA in small inexpensive imported children’s toys using new cryogenic grinding methods developed to process the different types of plastic toys examined.

Tune in to learn about the levels of BPA and phthalates in common imported children’s toys. Also discussed are details about the novel cryogenic grinding techniques and modified extraction methods used in this study.