Last month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of approximately 600,000 plush ducks used by an insurance company to promote their business. The ducks, imported from China, were distributed by the company and licensed agents to consumers as a promotional item from February of 2009 through March of 2021. 

According to the recall notice:

Components of the recalled promotional ducks contain levels of certain phthalates that exceed the federal phthalate content standard. A component of the promotional fishing duck also contains a level of lead that exceeds the federal lead content standard. Phthalates and lead are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. 

“Exposure to elevated levels of lead or phthalates is a concern for everyone, but this is especially true for children,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning and while the health effects of various phthalate exposures are not completely understood, some are strongly suspected to be endocrine disruptors. Federal regulations restrict their use in certain child care articles and toys since children can easily be exposed to these chemicals by handling and chewing on items that contain them.” 

Dedicated to helping manufacturers, importers, retailers, regulatory agencies and health advocates across North America test for phthalates, lead and other regulated substances are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. Their product testing services protect consumers and can also be essential for helping companies comply with health and safety regulations to avoid these types of costly product recalls. 

To learn more about phthalates, lead or other consumer product, environmental, health or safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

— WebWireID292011 —