by Kathleen Masterson and Jon Hamilton

Phthalates have long been used to make plastics soft and flexible, but recent public concern has prompted lawmakers to ban six of these chemicals in toys and other kids’ products. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission — charged with enforcing the ban — found that the exposure from kids’ toys is too low to be a risk.

Where are phthalates found?

Until recently, manufacturers used hundreds of millions of pounds of phthalates each year in products including children’s toys. A new federal law took effect in February 2009 banning six phthalates in toys and other kids’ products. The ban covers all phthalates that have been used in kids’ toys. However, the bill does not recall toys sold before the ban

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