A new California law designed to protect babies and children from phthalate-riddled toys went into effect on New Year’s Day. If you’ve been keeping on eye on the phthalate fight – the colorless, oily chemical was once commonly used in soft rubber or plastic toys and baby products to keep those products pleasingly squishy, but it raised some significant health concerns – you’re probably cheering right about now. If it’s all Greek to you, here’s one of the best explanations we’ve heard – courtesy of SF Environment’s Deborah O. Raphael.