Chemicals banned from toys on permanent basis

Ann Cahill, Europe Correspondent

The chemicals, phthalates, have been banned on a temporary basis for more than six years but after dozens of reports and despite objections from the industry, the ban will now to be made permanent.

Phthalates are used to make plastic soft and pliable and in the past were found in soothers, teething toys, babies' bottles and other baby goods.