How can concerned parents and carers avoid exposure of children to phthalates?

Research shows that very few children’s plastic products available in the Australian market contain DEHP.

Consumers who wish to minimise their children’s exposure to DEHP can choose products that are made of soft plastics that do not contain any DEHP or products that are made from other materials, such as latex, or silicone. 

We recommend that parents and carers who are choosing plastic children’s products for children up to and including 36 months of age:

• ask suppliers if the product(s) contain more than 1 per cent by weight DEHP —If the supplier cannot tell you, shop around until you find a supplier that can guarantee this
• do not use second hand toys, child care articles or vessels or eating utensils
• do not use single use (disposable) cutlery or eating vessels more than once
• do not allow children to mouth or suck plastic products for long periods of time.