Schumer: Ban on toxic chemicals in school supplies
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By GLENN WILBURN, MyFoxNY.com Producer -
MYFOXNY.COM -
The first day of school is rapidly approaching but what kids bring to school with them could be hazardous to their health.
According to a new report, 75 percent of back-to-school supplies tested were found to have high levels of a toxic chemical called "phthalate" is known to cause a number of health problems, including asthma and diabetes.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling for a ban to stop these dangerous chemicals to be used in school supplies and other children's products.
The phthalates were found in vinyl products such as lunch boxes, backpacks and binders. Phthalates are already banned for use in children's toys.
Some highlights from the study:
75% of children's back-to-school supplies tested contained levels of phthalates that would be in violation of federal bans for toys, if these products were considered toys.
The Dora the Explorer Backpack contained phthalate levels over 69 times the allowable federal limit for toys.
The Amazing Spider Man Backpack contained phthalate levels over 52 times the allowable federal limit for toys.
The Disney Princess Lunchbox contained phthalate levels over 29 times the allowable federal limit for toys.
The Smart Fit Kids Pink Rainboot contained phthalates levels over 20 times the allowable federal limit for toys.
The Brown Polka Dot/Hot Chocolate 1" Hard Binder contained phthalate levels over 11 times the allowable federal limit for toys.
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