Parents test toys for toxic chemicals at Healthy Toys event in Connecticut

West Hartford parents gathered Dec. 3 at Our Children’s Center daycare, patiently waiting as a representative from the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut tested their children’s toys for chemicals of concern. Parents were drawn to learn what their toys were made of, and also to take part in the announcement of the new consumer guide to toxins in children’s products - www.HealthyToys.org.

One local parent, Elizabeth O’Neill, spoke about her frustration when she learned that a toy she had been told by the manufacturer was safe actually turned out to contain lead.

Local legislators, nurses, and members of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (pictured) rounded out the crowd, and spoke to the media about the need for strong enforcement of the laws now on the books, as well as the need to pass new policies that move our economy away from toxic chemicals and toward safer solutions in all consumer products.

“Last year Connecticut became one of the first states to phase out lead and asbestos in children’s products, but we still need to address other toxic hazards like bisphenol A and brominated flame retardants,” said State Representative Beth Bye, D, West Hartford. “Despite the tough economic times, we need to prioritize new policies that protect children from toxic chemicals."

Before heading out, parents stocked up on resource sheets and sample letters to their legislators, ready to share the information with their family and friends. You can learn more and get involved by contacting the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy CT at (860) 232-6232, or by visiting www.safehealthyct.org.