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Too often the materials used in toys like plastics, paints and fabrics contain toxic chemicals that can impact a child's health.  I've got my three-year-old son here as well as my wife who's pregnant and is due in about two months.  Within those three years, I've already experienced recall efforts, the need to basically fix the problem after the fact and I think that what we're trying to do here is do it right the first time.  Catch the issue before the materials get out in the merchandise, before its affecting children.  So, when children put these products into their mouths, we all know that these chemicals may enter their body.  And even if it doesn't enter through their mouth, as they're touching them, as they're playing with them, as the material's flaking off, and because children's bodies are growing and developing, they are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of these chemicals.  Even small amounts of a chemical can impact a child's ability to reach his or her full potential.

Chemicals like mercury – which has been found in Dora the Explorer lunch bags, Little Tikes bath toys and Mattel's Ballerina Barbie – is toxic to the nervous system and can have detrimental effects on the kidneys.

Exposure to arsenic – if you can imagine, there are levels of arsenic that are acceptable in toys - but which has been found in High School Musical belts and necklaces by Disney – is associated with an increased risk of lung, skin and bladder cancer, and lower IQ scores.

Exposure to bromine – which has been found in Playskool's Mr. Potato Head and Fisher-Price's Dora the Explorer Talking backpack set – can cause reproductive problems and birth defects.

One of the most alarming things is that these are names and brands that we all know and trust.  Our children have these.  My son may not have Barbie but he's got, I think, probably some Dora the Explorer stuff and some Go Diego Go stuff.  These hazardous chemicals do not belong in toys or any other children’s product