Nursery World - Chemicals in toys facing ban by EU

A group of hazardous chemicals could disappear from toys and childcare products after the EU council of ministers voted last week to support banning them. The move follows a long-running campaign by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace to end the use of toxic chemicals known as phthalates, chemicals suspected of causing cancer, kidney damage and disruption of the body's hormone system. These chemicals are used as softeners in toys made of PVC plastic and other items. New research has revealed that a child's risk of developing asthma and allergies rises when they are exposed to phthalates.

The move follows a long-running campaign by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace to end the use of toxic chemicals known as phthalates, chemicals suspected of causing cancer, kidney damage and disruption of the body's hormone system. These chemicals are used as softeners in toys made of PVC plastic and other items. New research has revealed that a child's risk of developing asthma and allergies rises when they are exposed to phthalates.

Karine Pellaumail, safer chemicals campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said she was particularly concerned about the dummies and teethers that children put in their mouths, and that the ban was 'long overdue'. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the issue early next year.

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