The human health effects of phthalates are not yet fully known but are being studied by several government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Toxicology Program's Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. 

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is listed as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" in the Twelfth Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program. 

hthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break.

Once phthalates enter a person's body, they are converted into breakdown products (metabolites) that pass out quickly in urine.

Antimony compounds are used to make flame-proofing materials, paints, ceramic enamels, glass and pottery

Human exposure to antimony can take place

by skin contact

he central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target organ for toluene toxicity in both humans and animals for acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures.

narcosis have been frequently observed in humans acutely exposed to low or moderate levels of toluene by inhalation;

Cardiac arrhythmia

ce in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the brain and nervous system.

s brain is still developing and rapidly absorbing nutrients. Ev

arly hazard

In children, lead poisoning can cause: damage to the brain and nervous system behavioral problems anemia liver and kidney damage hearing loss hyperactivity developmental delays in extreme cases, death Although the effects of lead exposure are a potential concern for all humans, young children (less than seven years old) are most at risk (Reagan and Silbergeld, 1989). This increased vulnerability results from a combination of the following factors:

Children Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in: Behavior and learning problems Lower IQ and Hyperactivity Slowed growth Hearing Problems Anemia In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death.

toxic levels of lead, cadmium, antimony and phthalates, said this year's "Trouble in Toyland" report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).

f antimony, a toxic metal that has been classified as a cancer-causing agent.

Phthalates are chemicals suspected to cause developmental health effects. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause learning disabilities and kidney problems.

Humans normally absorb cadmium into the body either by ingestion or inhalation Dermal exposure (uptake through the skin) is generally not regarded to be of significance

2% to 6% of the cadmium ingested is actually taken up into the body. Factors influencing cadmium absorption are the form in which cadmium is present in the food, and the iron status of the exposed individual. In contrast, from 30% to 64% of inhaled cadmium is absorbed by the body, with some variation as a function of chemical form, solubility and particle size of the material inhaled.

a greater proportion of inhaled cadmium is retained by the body than when cadmium is taken in by ingestion.

can the chemicals in the toy result in an exposure, and is this exposure associated with a health risk.  In toxicology, this is described in the following equation: Risk = Exposure x Hazard

hildren under about 3 years of age often mouth toys and other objects.  Mouthing presents a high opportunity for exposure to chemicals, as well as accidental swallowing.  For example, some toy jewelry contains levels of lead and cadmium.  While these toys may be safe if they are only touched (lead and cadmium don’t easily penetrate human skin), they may not be safe if mouthed, since lead and cadmium dissolve in saliva and then get swallowed.

POISONING HAZARDS

ASPIRATION HAZARDS

Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children. In children, lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and can impair mental functioning. Blood-lead level as low as 10 μg/dl (micrograms per deciliter) have been associated with learning disabilities, growth impairment, permanent hearing and visual impairment and other damage to the brain and nervous system.

oy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (TSD)

n 2006, they said that five chemicals — lead, methylmercury, arsenic, PCBs and toluene — should be considered toxic to the developing brain. The doctors did not conduct new studies on these substances, but now, based on a reading of new research, which has been exploding in recent years, they've added six more:• Manganese, a natural chemical found in drinking water in places like Bangladesh.• Fluoride, in high concentrations, which has caused problems in China, though the low levels added to American drinking water are presumed safe.• Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide used on golf courses and in agriculture among other places.• Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), an insecticide banned in the U.S. in the 1970s, but still used in some countries.• Tetrachloroethylene (PERC), a solvent used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing.• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), also known as flame retardants and often found in furniture, electronics and clothing, including children's pajamas.

38-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act