Test results show baby toys loaded with toxic chemicals

Greenpeace - campaigning against toxic toys

Scientific tests on baby toys sold on Britain's High Streets show them to be packed with toxic chemicals according to results published by Greenpeace today (15/12/99). Many of these toys on sale in Britain are banned in other European countries because the chemicals leak out and can be swallowed by children.

The findings are the result of independent scientific tests commissioned by Greenpeace on five soft PVC toys all from leading retailers. In one example, a small yellow vinyl giraffe was discovered to contain nearly 50% of the harmful substance.

The toys, sold by the Early Learning Centre, Mothercare, Boots, Toys 'R' Us and Woolworth's, all contained between 24% and 42% of hazardous chemical softeners called phthalates, which have been linked to damage to the liver, kidneys and reproductive organs. Phthalates leak out of toys when children squeeze or suck them. Children may even absorb the toxic chemicals just by holding the toys.

Mark Strutt, Greenpeace toxics campaigner, said: "We chose to test these toys because they are just the sort of things babies and toddlers are likely to suck and chew. Young children are liable to swallow hazardous chemicals from these toys - a fact which will horrify most parents. Tony Blair should follow other European countries in banning toys containing phthalates."

Earlier this month the European Union agreed an emergency ban on six phthalates in baby toys "intended for the mouth" which, according to the European Commission, are liable to cause various health effects including liver and kidney damage. The ban, which is the first ever emergency product ban by the EU, only applies to toys "intended for the mouth" despite findings that children chew for longer on other toys like animal figures and squashy bricks. (1)

Seven EU countries (2) plus Norway have already agreed stronger national bans, which cover all PVC toys for children under three that have been softened with phthalates. But Britain has been active in limiting the EU emergency ban to only cover softeners in toys "intended for the mouth". (3)

The soft PVC toys, which were tested at an independent laboratory (4), consisted of a small yellow giraffe (part of a set of animal figures) and a lavender scented "touch and feel" ball, from the Early Learning Centre. These toys were made up of 42% and 24% of Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) respectively. Also tested were: a small pink pig from Mothercare "Squeezy Farm Animals" set, found to contain 25% DINP, a "Colour Change" bath-time dinosaur from Boots, made up of 35% DINP and a baby dolphin figure called "Water Whistler" made by TOMY and available in Woolworth's, Toys 'R' Us, Boots, Mothercare and others, which was made from 29% DINP.

Mark Strutt commented: "The Early Learning Centre and other retailers have a responsibility to parents to see that these toxic toys are removed from their shelves immediately to protect children from potentially hazardous Christmas presents. If parents have bought any of these toys, they should return them to the shop and demand a refund."

Notes to Editors:
(1)A scientific study by the Dutch Government showed that children between the ages of 6 - 12 months suck and chew toys NOT "intended for the mouth" for much longer periods than dummies or teethers.

(2)Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Italy and Germany

(3)Letter from the Department of Trade and Industry to Greenpeace, 3 November 1999

(4)Laboratory of the Government Chemist, Queen's Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 OLY.

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255