Local researcher Catherine Wilt is working to make toys healthier, safer and more environmentally-friendly.
Wilt, director of the Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee, helped develop North America's first and only third-party environmental toy standard, UL 172 for manufacturers. The voluntary certification recognizes companies which use safer chemicals and healthier, more environmentally-preferable materials in toys.
UL 172, administered by UL Environment, a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, is applicable to play products made from wood, plastic, rubber, textiles, metal and bio-based materials--from balls and action figures to costume clothing and jewelry.
"While there are standards addressing the safety of toys, such as choking hazards, there are no North American standards to address toxicity," Wilt said. "Toxic toy recalls in recent years have made consumers increasingly wary about the safety of toys. Certification to UL 172 will provide them with peace of mind while giving innovative manufacturers the credit they deserve."
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were at least 45 toxic toy recalls between 2008 and 2011. All 45 recalls involved toys that were manufactured outside the U.S. While a North American organization manages UL 172, any toy manufacturer in the world can apply.
Continue reading UT researcher helps develop safe, green toy certification.
