Do phthalates in rubber ducks pose a risk to bathing infants?

What's actually in it

Rubber ducks and similar soft plastic bath toys are often made with phthalates. These are chemicals added to plastic to make it soft and flexible. Because these toys are designed for the bath, they often end up in an infant's mouth. When a child chews on these items, the phthalates can leach out of the plastic and into their body.

What the research says

The science is clear that exposure to these chemicals carries real risks. A 2026 study in Environ Res linked fetal exposure to phthalates with an increased risk of respiratory conditions in infancy. This shows that these chemicals can have a direct impact on a child's health early in life.

The danger continues as children grow. A 2026 study in JNCI Cancer Spectr found that phthalates measured at birth are associated with a higher risk of testicular cancer in adolescents and young adults. This peer-reviewed research highlights that early exposure to these plasticizers can have long-term consequences that show up years later.

Furthermore, a 2026 study in Environ Toxicol confirms that phthalates act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's natural hormone systems. When you put a toy containing these chemicals in the bath, you are introducing substances that the body is not meant to process.