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Illegal phthalate content in PVC toys
The EU is expected to adopt a common set of rules that are less strict than the rigorous Danish requirements
05-12-2001
Along with the Danish consumers’ magazine TÆNK & TEST, studies carried out by the Green Information Centre have demonstrated that the Danish ban on phthalates in toys (for information in Danish, see here) is being violated. While EU regulations within this area only stipulate a ban on phthalate use in toys that are meant to be chewed on, etc., the Danish ban extends to phthalate use in all toys for children under the age of three. According to the Green Information Centre, the permitted phthalate quantities are grossly exceeded. For example, a Disney doll turned out to exceed the permitted limit value by a factor of 80.
Within the EU, discussions are currently being carried out to establish whether a ban is the best way to regulate this area. These discussions centre on notions that it would be preferable to establish limit values that specify the permitted phthalate content in toys. Such limit values already exist for those substances that are known to pose a risk, and which can also be found in toys.
The discussion on phthalates has divided the EU Member States into two camps: One camp wishes to establish a permanent ban on phthalates in toys for children under the age of three, while the other camp wishes to specify limits on the quantities of phthalates that children may absorb. According to reports made by the acclaimed British environmental news agency, ENDs Daily, on 28 November, it appears that a majority of all EU Member States will accept migration limits.
As regards phthalates, the PVC Information Council Denmark can add that DINP, the type of phthalate used to soften the vast majority of all PVC toys, is currently being subjected to risk assessment within the EU. This risk assessment of DINP is currently at the final-draft stage, and according to the European phthalate manufacturers, who are keeping close tabs on developments, it currently appears that the conclusion will be that children are not subjected to any risk by being exposed to DINP. It is expected that other phthalates will give rise to different conclusions. These phthalates are not, however, extensively used in toys. It is estimated that these risk assessments of phthalates will be completed in early 2002.
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