For some years now there's been debate over the danger of certain
chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic toys. The EU banned six of
these in 2005, after a temporary 'emergency' ban that began in 1999.
More recently, attention has been focussed on a chemical called Bisphenol A or 'BPA' used in the manufacture of polycarbonate. Incredibly, BPA has had known oestrogenic effects since the 1930's but major studies since 1997 have highlighted the risk of low-level exposure.
The findings of these studies prompted Canada to ban the use of BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles in 2009. US manufacturers also withdrew BPA based product in anticipation of similar legislation there.
Breast Cancer UK campaigned for the UK government to follow suite and ban the use of BPA here too. In November 2010, the EU Commission finally banned its use in polycarbonate baby bottles.
Link to 'No more BPA' Campaign
Unfortunately, BPA is present in a vast range of other polycarbonate products like CD cases and consumer electronics, as well as being a component in the coatings of food cans and even the thermal paper many till receipts are printed on.
New research published in the US journal Pediatrics shows a link to exposure to BPA in the womb, and behavioural problems in girls as young as three.
Daily Mail 24 Oct 2011
Full Research Paper
One of the problems with BPA in plastic toys is a lack of clear labelling. Polycarbonate products are often marked with the recycling symbol '7' - indicating it is plastic type seven.
However, type seven is a catch-all for types of plastic that are not included in type 1 -6. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible to tell whether the product contains BPA or not.
The Seven Types of Plastic
If you want to avoid plastic in toys, buy wooden toys at a reputable shop such as www.kidstoyworld.co.uk
More recently, attention has been focussed on a chemical called Bisphenol A or 'BPA' used in the manufacture of polycarbonate. Incredibly, BPA has had known oestrogenic effects since the 1930's but major studies since 1997 have highlighted the risk of low-level exposure.
The findings of these studies prompted Canada to ban the use of BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles in 2009. US manufacturers also withdrew BPA based product in anticipation of similar legislation there.
Breast Cancer UK campaigned for the UK government to follow suite and ban the use of BPA here too. In November 2010, the EU Commission finally banned its use in polycarbonate baby bottles.
Link to 'No more BPA' Campaign
Unfortunately, BPA is present in a vast range of other polycarbonate products like CD cases and consumer electronics, as well as being a component in the coatings of food cans and even the thermal paper many till receipts are printed on.
New research published in the US journal Pediatrics shows a link to exposure to BPA in the womb, and behavioural problems in girls as young as three.
Daily Mail 24 Oct 2011
Full Research Paper
One of the problems with BPA in plastic toys is a lack of clear labelling. Polycarbonate products are often marked with the recycling symbol '7' - indicating it is plastic type seven.
However, type seven is a catch-all for types of plastic that are not included in type 1 -6. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible to tell whether the product contains BPA or not.
The Seven Types of Plastic
If you want to avoid plastic in toys, buy wooden toys at a reputable shop such as www.kidstoyworld.co.uk
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