A note on the use of phthalates in toys

"Since 1999 the European Commission has prohibited the use of phthalates in children's toys. This product is especially dangerous in toys placed in the mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may exceed the maximum daily dose and have a long-term impact on health.

Six phthalates are prohibited in this type of toy: di-iso nonyl phthalate (DINP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP).

Since 1999, this ban on phthalates has been extended 19 times, by periods of three or six months, and most recently for a ten-month period up to 20 September 2005 (Decision 2004/781/EC). These successive extensions are due to legislation allowing this type of decision to be extended for no more than one year, pending adoption of permanent measures by the Parliament and Council."

This decision to prohibit phthalates in the European Union can be seen at: http://ec.europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l32033.htm