Dora backpack (phthalates)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act bans concentrations of phthalates higher than 1000 parts-per-million (ppm). The chemicals, which are compounds added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable, have been tied to increased risk for premature births, birth defects, early onset of puberty and low sperm counts, notes PIRG.

This backpack made by Global Design Concepts Inc. did not exceed the federal limit (it contained 320 ppm),but PIRG said it violates Washington State law that requires disclosure of any measurable amounts of the compounds.

Credit: U.S. Public Interest Research Group