07/04/2005 - This week's
decision by the European Parliament to permanently
ban the use of several phthalates in children's
toys is excellent news, but only scratches
the surface of the chemicals problem.
Phthalates, which have been linked to damage
to the reproductive system, and an increased
risk of asthma and cancer, are just one of
the many groups of hazardous chemicals that
need to be controlled under new legislation.
The chemicals industry as a whole needs to
be better regulated if the health of people
and wildlife is not to be compromised by these
substances.
Europe has had a temporary ban on the use
of phthalates in children's toys since 1999.
The chemicals are also used in the manufacture
of lubricants and solvents, and are found
in cosmetics, medical equipment, paints and
packaging.
Giles Watson, Toxics Policy Officer for WWF-UK
said: "This is great news, as phthalates
have the potential to harm children's development.
But this is only one step on the road towards
better regulation of chemicals in everyday
products. There are still plenty of other
ways that young children can be exposed to
phthalates, as well as other hazardous man-made
chemicals like brominated flame retardants,
bisphenol A and artificial musks."
The six types of phthalates that have been
banned are DEHP, DBP and BBP in all toys and
child-care items and DINP, DIDP and DNOP in
all toys and child-care products that can
be put in the mouth.
Watson added: "The EU has accepted that
phthalates pose a risk to young children.
The problem is that many other substances
that are still regularly used in products
in the home are just as worrying. The chemicals
industry is lobbying hard to water-down the
new REACH legislation - which will control
other hazardous chemicals - despite the clear
risks some pose to the health of children,
adults and wildlife."
