Infant Products

Between 2007 and 2009, Anthony E. Held, Ph.D., P.E., a client of The Chanler Group, conducted a thorough investigation of infant products, including baby bibs, rubber duckies, sippy cups, and the like. Following his investigation, Dr. Held served 60-Day Notices of Violation of Proposition 65 to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of infant products containing high levels of phthalate chemicals. 

Phthalates are "plasticizers," chemicals added to plastic components and materials in consumer products to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.  The Chanler Group regularly investigates the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, commonly referred to as "DEHP", butyl benzyl phthalate, or "BBP", and Di-n-butyl phthalate, known also as "DBP," found in consumer products.  In addition to being severely restricted or banned in Europe and other parts of the world, phthalates are listed by the State of California as chemicals known to cause reproductive harm.

The Chanler Group, on behalf of Dr. Held, reached settlements with several of the biggest suppliers of infant products in California, often securing agreements to reformulate the products to virtually eliminate the toxins from the products, or securing the appropriate health hazard warnings for consumers.  Building upon information brought to light by Dr. Held in his investigation into companies that sold baby bibs containing phthalates without a warning, the California Attorney General commenced a Proposition 65 enforcement action against several manufacturers of baby bibs named in Dr. Held’s 60-Day Notices.  The Attorney General succeeded in obtaining settlements from some of the bib manufacturers, including Gerber Childrenswear and Gerber Products (“Gerber”).  The Alameda County Superior Court approved the Consent Judgment entered into by the Attorney General on behalf of the People of the State of California and Gerber, which permanently enjoined Gerber from selling baby bibs with vinyl or plastic components in California with a concentration of the phthalate chemical DEHP in excess of 0.1%, imposed civil penalties, and reimbursed Dr. Held for a portion of the fees and costs incurred in his investigation of Gerber.

The Chanler Group and its clients continue to closely monitor the infant products industry in order to protect very young children from exposure to chemicals.  To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies in this industry, please see the cases below.