Toxic Toys 101

Originally published by Washington Toxics Coalition.

This post was written by science teacher Garrison Dyer. As a teacher he sees first hand the toll developmental and learning disabilities have on children, families, and the classroom. He also knows some of these disabilities are linked to toxic chemicals and are preventable, which is why he supports getting toxic chemicals out of children's products.

I am not a father, but every day I look after 121 eleven to fourteen year-olds.  As science teacher at Showalter Middle School in Tukwila, WA, I have grown to care about my student’s health, safety, and development immensely.

Approximately one in six American children have a learning or developmental disability and recent research shows this number is getting bigger. Thirteen percent of the students in my classes have been diagnosed with a learning or behavioral disability, and I have no idea how many more have slipped though the cracks. I can tell you from first hand experience that these disabilities can take a tremendous toll on the child, family and classroom.

The latest research indicates some of these disabilities may be preventable by reducing a child’s exposure to toxic chemicals. According to the U.S. National Research Council, three percent of developmental disabilities are the direct result of exposure to toxic chemicals, and another twenty-five percent result from interactions between environmental and genetic factors.

Children are exposed to chemicals from a variety of sources, but those sources shouldn’t include their favorite toy, cup, teddy bear, or necklace. For example, lead, found in paint, PVC plastic, and jewelry is linked to ADHD, reduced IQ, and juvenile delinquency. Polycarbonate plastic food containers and the linings of food cans contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is linked to altered behavior and hyperactivity.

Thankfully, in Washington state our Department of Ecology is starting to implement a law championed by the Washington Toxics Coalition that will collect information on toxic chemicals linked to learning and developmental disabilities that are in children’s products. This is a great first step! Please join me in supporting this process by telling the Department of Ecology what you think. They are accepting public comments until December 31st.