NEW YORK --
A new study is sounding the alarm on back-to-school vinyl items that may contain a dangerous chemical.Researchers tested products in New York City and found about 75 percent of them contain a toxic chemical.
"They've been shown to be harmful. So the fact that the product of a chemical, a phthalate, could be banned in children's toys but is allowed in children's school supplies makes no sense," said Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York).
Schumer has urged the U.S. Senate to pass the Safe Chemicals Act, which would require all chemicals to be evaluated for safety.