Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful chemicals because
their systems are developing and they get a higher dose of chemical
pound-for-pound compared to adults.
Two important chemicals to avoid are lead and phthalates.
LEAD exposure affects almost every system in the body, and
is particularly damaging to the central nervous system. Children
exposed to lead can suffer lower IQ, delays in developmental or even
death.
Consumer groups and the government constantly test toys for lead
but lead is still found in costume/novelty jewelry, painted toys, and
some metal toys.
TIPS: Avoid lead in toys:
Keep costume/novelty jewelry away from young children.
You
can screen a piece of jewelry or toy for lead using a home lead tester
available at the hardware store. (This is a screening method, and
should not be relied upon as a definitive test.)
Check www.recalls.gov for recalled toys.
PHTHALATES are chemicals used to make plastic softer. They
are found in everything from raincoats to lunchboxes to bath books to
rubber duckies.
Exposure to phthalates have been linked to reproductive defects, genital abnormalities and early onset puberty. Because of these health effects a 2008 federal law banned them in children’s products.
TIPS: Avoid phthalates in toys
Avoid plastic toys labeled as "PVC" They often contains phthalate softeners.
Look for toys labeled "phthalate-free."
Choose cloth or unpainted wooden toys instead of soft plastic toys.
Read the labels of play cosmetics and avoid products with xylene, toluene or phthalates.
Avoid plastic bath toys or bath books.
Toxic Hazards (0 - 12)
LEAD exposure affects almost every system in the body, and
is particularly damaging to the central nervous system. Children
exposed to lead can suffer lower IQ, delays in developmental or even
death. 
TIPS: Avoid lead in toys: 
Keep costume/novelty jewelry away from young children.
You
can screen a piece of jewelry or toy for lead using a home lead tester
available at the hardware store. (This is a screening method, and
should not be relied upon as a definitive test.)
Check www.recalls.gov for recalled toys. 
PHTHALATES are chemicals used to make plastic softer. They
are found in everything from raincoats to lunchboxes to bath books to
rubber duckies. 
TIPS: Avoid phthalates in toys 
Avoid plastic toys labeled as "PVC" They often contains phthalate softeners.
Look for toys labeled "phthalate-free."
Choose cloth or unpainted wooden toys instead of soft plastic toys.
Read the labels of play cosmetics and avoid products with xylene, toluene or phthalates.
Avoid plastic bath toys or bath books.
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