Partial ban for health-risk chemicals in baby toys

CHEMICALS linked to cancer, asthma, kidney and reproductive problems have been banned from toys and childcare articles in the EU.

However, the use of three of these phthalates will be allowed in toys for children over three years of age and manufacturers will not be forced to put a warning on the packaging.

Six chemicals have been under a general temporary ban in the EU since 1999 and competitiveness ministers yesterday agreed to vary this ban and make it permanent.