PerkinElmer Helps Decrease Exposure to Phthalates in Toys and Children’s Products  

PerkinElmer (UK) announce it has developed new phthalate detection solutions in response to growing concern over hazardous content of consumer products. The Company’s GC/MS systems help to ensure that consumer products comply with the current European Union (EU) regulations for plasticizer content in toys and other children’s products.

A recent study by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency regarding the exposure of two-year olds to chemical substances in consumer products has drawn attention to the risk of cumulative exposure of children to plasticizers, such as phthalates. Plasticizers are added to plastics, primarily vinyl, to soften and increase their flexibility. Many children’s products, including plates, cups, mattress liners and diapers, are made of durable, low cost plastic materials. However, the study highlights the need to extend the current safety testing regulations beyond just children’s products, to include a broader range of consumer products that use plasticizers, including clothes, jewelry and shoes.