Meaning: 'Chemical' refers to substances that have a distinct molecular composition and are used in various applications, including manufacturing and industry.

Wrong options:

• nutritional: Nutritional pertains to food and health, which does not relate to the context of phthalates as additives in plastics.
• legal: Legal refers to laws or regulations, which does not describe the nature of phthalates as substances.
• expensive: Expensive indicates a high cost, which is irrelevant to the classification of phthalates as additives.

Correct answer: prohibited

Explanation: The word 'prohibited' fits grammatically as a past participle that describes the action being taken against certain phthalates. Contextually, it indicates that these types of phthalates will not be allowed in child-care products and toys, aligning with the regulatory theme of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Prohibited' means that something is not allowed or is banned, particularly in legal or regulatory contexts.

Wrong options:

• originated: Originated refers to the beginning or source of something, which does not apply to the context of banning substances.
• collected: Collected implies gathering items, which does not fit the context of banning or restricting substances.
• examined: Examined means to inspect or study, which does not convey the action of banning.

Correct answer: advocates

Explanation: The term 'advocates' is appropriate as it refers to individuals who support or argue for a cause, fitting grammatically as a noun that serves as the subject of the sentence. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of consumer groups pushing for stricter regulations on toy safety.

Meaning: 'Advocates' are people who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy, in this case, consumer safety regarding toys.

Wrong options:

• fellows: Fellows typically refers to companions or colleagues, which does not fit the context of consumer activism.
• dictators: Dictators are authoritarian leaders, which is unrelated to the context of consumer advocacy.
• candidates: Candidates refer to individuals seeking a position or role, which does not relate to the context of consumer advocacy.

Correct answer: dispose

Explanation: The verb 'dispose' fits grammatically as it indicates the action that toy makers should take regarding banned toys. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of getting rid of items that are no longer allowed, which is the focus of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Dispose' means to get rid of something, particularly in a proper or responsible manner.

Wrong options:

• deal: Deal implies handling or managing something, which does not convey the action of getting rid of banned toys.
• boast: Boast means to talk with pride about achievements, which is irrelevant to the context of disposing of toys.
• deprive: Deprive means to take something away from someone, which does not fit the context of the action required regarding banned toys.