Voice of the Viewer: Toxic school supplies

Many of our viewers are weighing in after a recent Kane in your Corner investigation revealed that low levels of toxic chemicals can be found in some popular back-to-school items. Phthalates are chemicals

News 12 Staff

Aug 30, 2012, 1:31 AM

Updated 4,265 days ago

Share:

Voice of the Viewer: Toxic school supplies
Many of our viewers are weighing in after a recent Kane in your Corner investigation revealed that low levels of toxic chemicals can be found in some popular back-to-school items.
Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics. According to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, low levels of these chemicals were found in 75 percent of school supplies they tested, including lunch bags and backpacks.
At high levels, these chemicals have been linked to reproductive birth defects and asthma. The chemicals are banned in toys, but because school supplies aren't considered toys, the same rules do not apply.
While some of you say the rules that govern phthalates in toys should extend to school supplies, others agree with the plastic industry, which insists the products are safe.
KIYC: Toxins found in children's school supplies


More from News 12
1:50
Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

2:48
Mostly cloudy Saturday in New Jersey; widespread showers on Sunday

Mostly cloudy Saturday in New Jersey; widespread showers on Sunday

1:46
Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

0:42
NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

0:28
Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

0:42
Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:27
Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

0:30
Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

0:27
Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

2:02
Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

1:04
Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

0:49
Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

0:39
Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

0:28
GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

0:40
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

3:21
Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning