Toxic Free Kids Program
Announcements

Find announcements related to children's environmental health.

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New information sheets are available for priority chemicals

There are new information sheets developed for the priority chemicals including flame retardants (Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), Decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE)), phthalates (Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) and Bisphenol A (BPA).

Product bans for Lead and Cadmium in consumer products

As of July 1st, 2023, lead and cadmium in consumer products have been reastricted. This restriction applies to products such as jewelry, jewelry making supplies, key chains, and costumes used by children. This new law also includes play sets and structures, school supplies, and household utensils, including pots, plans, cups, and bowls. Persons cannot sell, import, nor distribute products with lead levels of over 90 parts per million and cadmium levels of over 75 parts per million. However, it doesn’t relate to covered products and cases where lead and cadmium limits in products are pre-empted by federal law. Enforcement of this law may be coordinated between the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, MDH, and the Attorney General's Office. To read more about this new law, visit MN 325E.3892.

Crown Act

On January 31st, 2023, the Crown Act to prevent hair discrimination was passed. This Act not only applies to workplaces but other environments such as restaurants, stores, banks, apartments, businesses, schools, and government buildings. The passage of this Act is also important because chemical hair straightening products include chemicals that are toxic such as formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide. These chemicals are associated with a risk of cancer, hair loss, breathing problems and skin damage. More information about the Crown Act can be found at Preventing Hair Discrimination (PDF).