Phthalates
Phthalates are chemical substances used to soften plastics like PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) used in many consumer products including toys and childcare articles. In 1999, a number of Member States of the European Union expressed concern about the potential adverse effects that phthalates could have on the health of children . This led to a Decision under the General Product Safety Directive which temporarily banned the use of six phthalates in toys and childcare articles. In 2005, the restriction under the General Product Safety Directive was made permanent (Directive 2005/84/EC) and banned the use of phthalates in toys after a series of risk assessments confirmed the safety concerns making a diference between the three classified phthalates (Bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and the three non-classified phthalates (diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP). The...