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.
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to many consumer products.
Phthalate plasticizers are not chemically bound to PVC, they can leach, migrate or evaporate into indoor air and atmosphere,foodstuffs and other materials.
Phthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP, which are classified as toxic to reproduction, are banned in all toys and childcare articles.
DINP, DIDP and DNOP are banned in toys and childcare articles that can be put in the mouth.
Disturbingly, although these chemicals are banned, toys containing them are still finding their way on to the market.
The official Europa website listed fourteen toys withdrawn or ordered off the market in the fortnight from 13th Feb to 27th Feb this year.
One of these was a plastic mermaid doll that contained a staggering 34% (by weight) of the banned phthalate DEHP!
If you do buy plastic toys for your child, check the packaging carefully and try to choose products from reputable manufacturers. You might also consider subscribing to recalledproducts.org, who do a handy email update of recalled products.
The EU banned six of these in 2005, after a temporary 'emergency' ban that began in 1999.
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to many consumer products.
Phthalate plasticizers are not chemically bound to PVC, they can leach, migrate or evaporate into indoor air and atmosphere,foodstuffs and other materials.
Phthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP, which are classified as toxic to reproduction, are banned in all toys and childcare articles.
DINP, DIDP and DNOP are banned in toys and childcare articles that can be put in the mouth.
Disturbingly, although these chemicals are banned, toys containing them are still finding their way on to the market.
The official Europa website listed fourteen toys withdrawn or ordered off the market in the fortnight from 13th Feb to 27th Feb this year.
One of these was a plastic mermaid doll that contained a staggering 34% (by weight) of the banned phthalate DEHP!
If you do buy plastic toys for your child, check the packaging carefully and try to choose products from reputable manufacturers. You might also consider subscribing to recalledproducts.org, who do a handy email update of recalled products.
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