PORTLAND (AP) – The Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine has found high levels chemicals that can cause health problems in children’s toys and products.

The alliance says 20 of the 24 products purchased at Target, the Dollar Tree, and Toys R Us tested positive for the chemical phthalate, which is used to soften plastics.

Last fall, California banned toys and baby products containing more than a trace amount of the chemical, which scientists have linked to health and reproductive problems. The chemical is widely used in such products as baby bottles and teething rings.

The Maine tests found extremely high levels of phthalates in some products.

A baby doll contained 46 percent phthalates, a ball 54 percent phthalates and a waterproof crib mattress cover 35 percent phthalates.

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