In 2011 the Washington State Department of Ecology published a list of 66 chemicals of high concern to children, and disseminated rules that required companies report if their children’s products contain any of these 66 chemicals intentionally added, or as a contaminant over 100 parts per million. The list included toxic flame retardants, vinyl chloride, phthalates, bisphenol A, formaldehyde, styrene, toxic metals, solvents and many more chemicals known to harm human health. These chemicals are linked to cancer, respiratory effects and adverse impacts on learning and development.

Rather than have to report that their products contain chemicals that might expose young children to harm, Community Playthings undertook a years-long effort to reformulate these hazardous substances out of their products. This upstream approach has enabled them to state that their products are not only sustainable, but free of toxic BPA, phthalates, polyvinyl chloride and all of the chemicals of high concern to children as determined by Washington State.

Headquartered in New York state, Community Playthings designs and builds quality, durable furniture and playthings for child care environments. They manufacture and sell a variety of products - shelving, seating, cribs, tricycles, cubbies, toys, play structures and more – made from sustainably harvested wood and other safe materials. In 2011 in response to the Washington State chemical reporting rules they decided to go even further to assure that their products were the safest possible for young children by undertaking a process to eliminate all 66 chemicals of concern on the Washington list.

“When Washington State announced its chemicals of high concern to children reporting requirements, Community Playthings reviewed and updated our materials selection. We recognized that the state agency assessment was based on sound science and wanted our products to be free of these ingredients.”
- Clarence Mow, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Community Playthings