Dangerous Phthalates in toys

Introduction

Phthalates are a class of chemicals with toxic effects on human reproduction. Children as developing organisms are particularly vulnerable to substances classified as toxic for reproduction. After thorough studies on risk assessment using phthalates demonstrated that repeated exposure causes developmental problems and functioning of the reproductive organs and kidneys in infants. These substances have the ability to migrate slowly from the body of the plastic to the outer surface, making this way the product could potentially damage throughout the duration of use.

To ensure a high level of child health, the European Commission launched legal restrictions on the use of six phthalates in toys and childcare articles. This reduces as much as possible the exposure of children to hazardous substances. The main source of exposure is the objects that come in contact with the mouth. So the constraints put a ceiling on the percentage content of each of the six phthalates in toys and childcare are more likely to place the children in the mouth.

Use of phthalates in plastic toys

Phthalates are widely used in plastics and eidkotera those that are made from naturally hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticisers because they have properties that soften hard plastics.

Identification of phthalate esters

Phthalates have no characteristic feature such as color or odor and therefore their detection in toys and childcare articles made only through chemical analysis. However, the manufacturer of the game should be able to know and inform them of the presence or absence of phthalates in products.

Apart from plastic toys, phthalates may not be used in plastic products intended or used for childcare. Characterized examples of such products have been identified in the European market with high levels of phthalates are:

• biting soft plastics to children placed in the mouth during the period of teething.
• layers of soft plastic used for changing babies.
• plastic pads used by mothers during breastfeeding.
• plastic sponges and bath toys.
• parks with plastic parts, etc.

Legislative restrictionsAnnex XVII of the European Regulation number 1907/2006 but for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), stated that the establishment of children's toys in the following six phthalates do not exceed the concentration limit of 0.1% by mass:Names, abbreviations and identification numbers esters - Restrictions

• Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP No. CAS 117-81-7, EC No. 204-211-0 not be used as substances or preparations in concentrations higher than 0.1% by mass of plasticised material in toys and childcare care.
• Dibutylphthalate DPB No. CAS 84-74-2, EC No. 201-557-4 not be used as substances or preparations in concentrations higher than 0.1% by mass of plasticised material in toys and childcare articles.
• Benzyl phthalate BBP No. CAS 85-68-7, EC No. 201-622-7 not be used as substances or preparations in concentrations higher than 0.1% by mass of plasticised material in toys and childcare articles.
• Di-isononyl DINP No. CAS 28553-12-0 and 68515-48-0, EC No. 249-079-5 and 271-090-9 not be used as substances or as constituents of preparations at the levels of greater than 0.1% by mass the plasticised material, in toys and childcare articles which can be placed by children on the mouth.
• Di-isodecyl DIDP No. CAS 26761-40-0 and 68515-49-0, EC No. 271-091-4 247-977-977 and shall not be used as substances or as constituents of preparations in the levels of greater than 0.1% by mass the plasticised material, in toys and childcare articles which can be placed by children on the mouth.
• Dibutyl phthalate DNOP No. CAS 117-84-0, EC No. 204-214-7 not be used as substances or as constituents of preparations at the levels of greater than 0.1% by mass of plasticised material, in toys and childcare articles which can be placed the children in the mouth.

Such toys and childcare articles containing these phthalates in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by mass of plasticised material may not be marketed.Obligations of importers and retailers of children's toysImporters and retailers of toys should ensure that the games that introduce and market do not contain phthalates beyond the permissible limit by law. This can be achieved: by:

• written version of this condition in custom games.
• provide certification for these games (with reference numbers and invoice line manufacturer) from the supplier or manufacturer.
• provide chemical analysis by an accredited laboratory in which to indicate the absence of phthalate esters and stating the serial numbers of the manufacturer.

Certificates attesting the conformity of toys on the content of phthalates should be kept with the importers / distributors / dealers and presented for inspection, inspectors from the Department of Labour Inspection when requested.All dangerous toys found high in phthalates in the European market published in the weekly list of the European Community Rapid Information System for Non-Food Products other than Food (RAPEX). Additionally, the Department of Labour publishes weekly notices of any other non-compliant toys are found during inspections carried out systematically in the Cypriot market for gaming control of hazardous chemicals.Finally, all parties are encouraged to periodically updated for toys and childcare articles published list RAPEX notifications and the Department of Labour Inspection through the following addresses:http://www.mlsi.gov.cy/dli (Notices of chemicals)http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex/rapex_archives_en.cfm