{"id":5727,"date":"2026-02-01T16:06:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T14:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/?p=5727"},"modified":"2026-02-01T16:06:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T14:06:54","slug":"oil-companies-fighting-hide-dangerous-chemicals-kids-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/?p=5727","title":{"rendered":"Oil Companies Are Fighting To Hide Dangerous Chemicals In Your Kids\u2019 Toys"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most parents do everything they can to make sure that their children are safe and healthy. They feed them healthy food, they bandage them up when they fall and teach them to look both ways when they cross the street. The scary thing is, many children are being exposed to dangerous chemicals right inside their own homes, through their toys.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The chemicals found in many plastic children\u2019s toys are so dangerous they have been banned from use in many consumer products. Children are most susceptible to the dangerous effects of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals, <\/span><\/span>known as phthalates, because their neurological and endocrine systems are still developing. Despite the growing pile of evidence showing the harmful effects of these chemicals, one of the world\u2019s largest chemical companies is fighting to continue using them.<\/p>\n

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ExxonMobil Fighting To Continue Using Dangerous Chemicals<\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/span>ExxonMobil, the world\u2019s largest publicly held gas and oil company, is fighting to continue using phthalates \u2013 chemicals that are known to be endocrine disruptors. More than 25% of the company\u2019s $16 billion net profit in 2015 came from <\/span><\/span>sales of petroleum-based productsincluding plastics, batteries, synthetic fibers and household detergents. ExxonMobil products phthalates to make plastic pliable.<\/p>\n

As evidence of the dangers of phthalates piled up, Congress limited and banned several phthalates in 2008. In 201, the Consumer Products Safety Commission recommended banning eight phthalates from children\u2019s toys, but the ban has<\/span><\/span>yet to be finalized.<\/p>\n

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ExxonMobil insists that the chemicals are not harmful. Eve Gartner, an Earthjustice attorney, explained<\/span>, \u201cExxon has been sending letters, having meetings, they\u2019re just constantly in CPSC\u2019s face in a way designed to suggest that, if you go the wrong way on this, we\u2019re going to sue you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dangers Of Phthalates<\/h3>\n

There are about a dozen different types of phthalates that have the ability to enter the body and cause adverse health effects. You may be exposed to the harmful chemicals through the air, food, water, cosmetics and cleaning products. Vinyl products and other plastic materials<\/span> can also leak phthalates into the environment, increasing your exposure. Children are often exposed through teething toys and other plastic toys.<\/p>\n

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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 470 million pounds of phthlates are produced every year. Constant exposure to phthlates can cause the chemicals to remain in your body. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which mean they interfere with the body\u2019s endocrine system. They mimic natural hormones and trick the body into an exaggerated response.<\/p>\n

Chemicals that mimic estrogen may trigger the growth of breast cancer cells, block hormones from reaching receptors or cause an underactive or overactive thyroid. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have also been shown to negatively affect reproduction. Even lower levels of exposure can result in health issues, such as an <\/span>imbalance of growth hormones.<\/p>\n

How To Reduce Your Exposure To Phthalates<\/h3>\n