The Banned Chemicals in Plastic Toys

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The official Europa website listed fourteen toys withdrawn or ordered off the market in the fortnight from 13th Feb to 27th Feb this year.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.

chemicals in plastic toys

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