PORTLAND, Ore. - Starting in February, some toys will be banned because of a chemical in the plastic but the problem is, they are on store shelves now.

And as we discovered, it's hard to figure out if you're buying one of those toys.

We shopped and shopped for toys - looking for any sign of phthalates, the chemicals found in teethers, pacifiers and other toys that makes them flexible.

Dozens of studies, mostly on animals, have found that phthalates cause reproductive problems, including early puberty in girls, genital defects and reduced testosterone in boys.

On Feb. 10, 2009, six types of phthalates will be banned from children's products (three permanently and three temporarily) until more studies are done.

Originally, toys containing the chemicals had to be off the shelves by that date but last week, lawyers with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that retailers can sell off their existing inventory.

Consumer Advocate Matt Wallace with the Oregon State Public Research Interest Group (OSPIRG) is worried the toys will be flooding stores this holiday season - hitting the clearance shelves at a time when people are trying to save money.

And it's not like it's easy to spot these toys - the labels tell you nothing about the chemicals inside.  OSPIRG went shopping and sent several toys to the lab.

"'We easily found just two examples right off the bat that contain toxic phthalates," said Wallace.

According to the Toy Industry Association and the American Chemistry Council, phthalates are safe for their intended use but parents are still nervous.

Several lawmakers have stepped forward to challenge CPSC's ruling, saying toys should not be sold beyond Feb. 10, 2009.

A CPSC spokeswoman said they are only interpreting the law the way it was written and if Congress wants to change it, it's up to them to fix it.

The new law taking effect in February will also require that all toys be tested for dangerous chemicals before they are sold.  Currently, toys are sold and then recalled if necessary.

Washington passed a state law banning phthalates last year.  Europe banned phthalates from children's products in 2005.

Some retailers, including Walmart and Toys-R-Us have said they will voluntarily phase out phthalates by the end of the year.