No doubt the children in your care like to play with toys they put in their mouths and maybe you've bought some soft plastic ones the babies like to chew on. But then you find out that some toys are made from a form of PVC made with chemicals called phthalates (pronounced 'thallates').
You find out that some of these chemicals can leak out imperceptibly and are suspected of having subtle but harmful effects on our reproductive systems. You find out that phthalates have been detected in humans - in the blood and even in breast milk.
Would you throw the toys out? Or would you argue with the manufacturers for seven years about what quantity of phthalates might be acceptable? I know what I would do, but getting protection through EU laws took a seven-year argument.
To be fair, a series of temporary bans on phthalates in toys began in 1999.
But the phthalates industry has argued and lobbied all the way, even accusing environmentalists of being 'irresponsible'. Only this year has Friends of the Earth reached final political agreement for a new law.
And of course, phthalates are not the only chemicals of concern. For example, polycarbonate feeding bottles may contain bisphenol A, thought to interfere with hormones. A new disinfectant called triclosan (sometimes marketed as Microban) is found in a wide range of products - toothpaste, hand cleansers, even chopping boards - but it is now being found in the environment and humans.
You won't even find labels on toys and pyjamas telling you what chemicals are present.
Friends of the Earth continues to campaign for better consumer information and strong laws to control chemicals before they get into our goods and our bodies.
You can find more advice about chemicals on our website www.foe.co.uk/saferchemicals or freephone 0808 800 1111.
