Could Some Children’s Sandals Contain Harmful Chemicals? What Parents Should Know

When shopping for children’s sandals, most parents naturally look for something comfortable, affordable, colorful, and easy for a child to wear. But there is another factor worth considering: what the footwear is made of.

Recent testing of some children’s plastic sandals has raised concerns about excessive levels of phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics softer and more flexible. Some tested products reportedly contained levels far above recommended limits, particularly among inexpensive, unbranded footwear.

Why Are Phthalates a Concern?

Phthalates are used in a variety of plastic products, including some types of flexible PVC. Certain phthalates are considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they may interfere with the body’s hormonal system.

Researchers have studied possible associations between prolonged exposure to certain phthalates and developmental and reproductive health effects. Some studies have also investigated whether exposure could be associated with earlier puberty in children.

However, this does not mean that wearing a particular pair of sandals will cause early puberty. Health risks depend on factors such as the specific chemical involved, the amount of exposure, and how long someone is exposed.

Which Sandals Deserve Extra Attention?

Parents may want to be particularly careful with very inexpensive plastic sandals that have: