The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics promoting safe toys for kids and animals from harmful chemicals has sounded the alarm over the selling of squeaky plastic “pet” toys being sold in the market in time for the holiday season.
The group managed to purchase a colorful squeaky “chameleon” toy, being sold for P100 pesos each in a store in Divisoria, Manila.
Squeaky toys are popular to pets too, it gives out a unique sound which makes it fun and entertaining, hunting instincts, and chewing needs. The plastic toys contain undisclosed plastic additives that may put humans and animals at risk from exposure to health-damaging chemicals.
Plasticizers such as Phthalates – a known endocrine disrupting chemicals, are the most used chemical additive in toys. It is used as a softener, stabilizer, colorant; it improves elasticity, and durability.
According to the Endocrine Society, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body’s endocrine system. EDCs have been associated with a diverse array of health issues.