Greenpeace campaign against toxic toys
The good news is that the European Commission has proposed an emergency ban on soft PVC toys for children under three. The bad news is that it has been impeded by the UK Government from doing all it could to protect children.
The decision covers PVC toys "intended for the mouth" softened with chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates "pose a serious risk to human health" and "are released in dangerous quantities when soft PVC teethers or dummies, rattles and other toys for young children are sucked and chewed over extended periods".
However the ban will not include soft PVC toys that may not be "intended for the mouth" but will end up there anyway. It will not force retailers to remove toys from the shops for Christmas.
The Commission says it will ensure any products still on shop shelves will be withdrawn at the shortest possible notice. We intend to make sure this happens. In the coming days Greenpeace Digital will provide information of how to have all soft PVC toys removed from the shelves. Please tune in.
