Consumer Product Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 2, 2025

Last month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of thousands of scented highlighters with a popular cartoon character from television shows and movies printed on them. The product was sold in a 4-pack in yellow, blue, pink, and green colors. 

According to the CPSC recall notice:

The scented highlighters, which resemble cups with straws, contain phthalates; a violation of the federal phthalates ban. Phthalates are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. 

The product was imported from China and sold exclusively by a retail chain in their stores in the Northeast and in Florida, Maryland, and Illinois. They were sold from May 2024 to May 2025. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled highlighters and to return them to the retailer for a full refund.

“While the health effects of various phthalate exposures are not completely understood, some are strongly suspected to be endocrine disruptors,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Anytime there is the potential for exposure to elevated levels of phthalates, it can be a concern, but this is especially true for children. In the U.S., there are federal regulations that restrict their use in certain child care articles and toys since children can easily be exposed to these chemicals by handling and chewing on items that contain them.”

Dedicated to helping manufacturers, importers, retailers, regulatory agencies, and health advocates test for phthalates and other regulated substances are the scientists at EMSL Analytical. Their material and product testing services protect consumers, and can also be essential for helping companies comply with health and safety regulations to avoid these types of costly product recalls.

To learn more about phthalates or other consumer product, environmental, health, or safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.