Chemicals banned from toys on permanent basis
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.
The three most dangerous phthalates will be banned from all children's toys and childcare products while another three will be banned from use in toys young children might put into their mouths.
The European Commission has said the phthalates released when children put certain products in their mouths are dangerous and may lead to liver, kidney and testicular damage.
European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection Markos Kyprianou said people expect all products and especially toys and childcare products to be safe.
"Toxic chemicals have no place in children's toys," he said.
Ireland South MEP Kathy Sinnott was on the Public Health committee that recommended banning all six phthalates from all toys.
"If it's dangerous for children I would have a huge concern for it being used generally in other items that are not necessarily toys, such as medical devices," she said.
The Parliament has got the Commission to look at the use of fragrances by industry to mask the unpleasant odour of phthalates.
The chemicals are also found in beach toys such as balls, in shower curtains, in cosmetics such as nail varnish, in caps and bags.
Their presence does not have to be included on the label.
There is continuing evidence that the chemicals interfere with the hormones the latest research says mothers in contact with phthalates pass it onto their unborn male children increasing the risks that they will be infertile.
The European Commission will finalise the new law and define exactly what can be classified as a toy and childcare product.
However, Italy, Finland and Denmark have already banned the chemicals in proportions of over 0.05% while the new law will allow it up to 0.1%.
Each member state will have six months from next September to introduce it into national legislation and it will apply from September 2006.
