hazardous chemicals found in some school supplies

School is barely over, Thursday, July 7, and school supplies are already making a comeback with their acid shades on store shelves. However, these supplies intended for children may contain chemicals. Children are in daily contact with pens, markers, erasers; objects they put in their mouths. But many contain dangerous substances, according to the National Health Security Agency.

“Many different chemicals have been found, such as phthalates. You have perfumes, dyes, heavy metals, lead…“, warns Céline Dubois, ANSES scientific expertise coordinator. So some manufacturers anticipate consumer concerns. Natural products tend to replace plastics. ANSES is also calling for regulations excluding dangerous chemicals in school supplies. In the meantime, the agency advises choosing products without glitter, without perfume and without dye to protect the health of children.