Greenpeace welcomed today's EU decision to act on banning soft PVC toys for under threes as "a historic step". But the environment group blamed the UK Government for helping to water down the ban so that potentially dangerous toys will still be in the shops for Christmas.
Today's EU decision is the first time an emergency ban on hazardous substances in a consumer product has been proposed in Europe. It means the European Commission has recognised a "serious and immediate risk" from soft PVC plastic toys to children under three. However the ban is proposed to cover only toys "intended for the mouth", such as teethers. It covers PVC toys that have been softened with chemicals called phthalates. These have been linked with various health effects including damage to the liver, kidneys and reproductive organs. The ban will not force retailers to remove toys from the shops for Christmas, and will not include other soft PVC toys such as bath ducks and animal figures which children could still suck.
"We are glad the EU has recognised the irresponsibility of the PVC industry in selling hazardous toys to children," said Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner Mark Strutt, "But we are shocked at the role of Britain in keeping many soft PVC toys on the shelves."
Seven EU countries (1) plus Norway have already agreed stronger bans, which cover all PVC toys for under threes that have been softened with phthalates. But Britain has opposed a ban, and has been active in limiting the proposed ban to softeners in toys "intended for the mouth" (2). The EC proposes to label other soft PVC toys, "not to be put in the mouth for an extended period".
"These labels are a sick joke played on babies and their parents," said Strutt, "Young children naturally put things in their mouth. It will be virtually impossible for parents and carers to stop them. All soft PVC toys for children under three should be removed from the shelves now. Tony Blair should be ashamed of Britain's role in watering down this ban."
The proposed ban would not cover any toys, including teethers, that have already left the factory, which will continue to be sold. The proposed temporary measure will go to the Product Safety Emergencies Committee in two weeks time for final approval, where a permanent ban may also be adopted.
Notes to editors:
1. Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Italy and Germany
2. Letter from the Department of Trade and Industry to Greenpeace 3 November 1999
Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255
