Congressional negotiators have agreed to a ban on a family of toxins found in children’s products. This is a major victory for parents and health experts who have been clamoring for the government to remove the harmful chemicals known as phthalates from toys.

This rare action by Congress stems from a growing body of scientific research showing that children can ingest toxins by acts as simple as chewing on a rubber duck. The chemicals in question, which have been used for decades in plastic production, are now thought to act as hormones and cause reproductive problems, especially in boys.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said that President Bush opposes the ban, but that it is too early to say whether he will veto the measure.