A teether is a soothing tool

Tool

A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...

 for infants that are going through the phase of teething

Teething

Teething is the process by which an infant's first teeth sequentially appear by emerging through the gums. Teething may start as early as three months or as late, in some cases, as twelve months. The typical time frame for the first teeth to appear is somewhere between six and nine months...

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The European Commission's Scientific Committee announced that they are banning phthalate softeners in baby toys, because of toxic residue in six phthalate that were used in the manufacture of baby toys such as rattles and teethers. The European Union's plastic industry contests the validity of the ban.

Dangers of teethers

Many common baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories, contain toxic chemicals, according to a report released by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). The toxic chemicals include phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, both of which have been linked to multiple health problems. These toxins can cause the following:

• Impaired brain development
• Learning defects
• Cancer