GREENPEACE CALLS ON UK GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST TOY MANUFACTURERS

30 January 1998

On the eve of the British International Toy Fair in London, the environmental organisation Greenpeace has called on the UK Government to stop toy manufactures from using 'soft' PVC in infant's toys.

In a letter to Nigel Griffiths, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Greenpeace said the UK should follow the lead of other European countries such as Austria and Denmark, and regulate the use of soft PVC in infants toys. The UK Government has given priority to the development of a satisfactory scientific test to measure the release of softeners known as phthalates from PVC. However, no other measures, voluntary or otherwise, have yet been taken.

Greenpeace PVC campaigner Madeline Cobbing said, "The toy industry is well aware of the dangers of phthalates but continues to turn a blind eye. Now Governments in some European countries are forcing the industry to take action, it is shameful of the industry not to make voluntary moves to protect its youngest customers."

Greenpeace has been protesting internationally against the sale of soft PVC toys because of harmful additives within the vinyl plastic. In several countries retailers have responded to government calls and already removed soft PVC toys from the shelves. Despite this, large toy manufacturers such as Mattel and Hasbro, are continuing to produce infant toys using soft PVC.

Last year, Greenpeace commissioned three studies on PVC toys. The first, released in September, found that soft PVC toys for small children such as teethers and bath toys, contain up to 40% by weight of the softening chemicals called phthalates (1). Independent laboratory tests show that phthalates are toxic, with health effects ranging from liver and kidney damage to reproductive abnormalities. Further tests conducted by independent laboratories in the US found that many soft PVC children's products contain high levels of the hazardous metals lead and cadmium (2).

In December, a third investigation was released in Germany (3). It found that excessive levels of phthalates leached out of half of the PVC toys for children under three, tested. The softeners contained in PVC are not totally bound to the plastic. When children suck, rub, lick or chew and put pressure on soft PVC toys with their mouths and hands, these hazardous chemicals can leach out.

The entire life-cycle of PVC plastic is a polluting process. Its production involves highly toxic additives and generates hazardous chlorinated emissions and wastes. When burned in accidental fires or incinerators, PVC products are a significant source of dioxin and secondary hazardous wastes.

Notes to correspondents:

The British International Toy and Hobby Fair takes place at Olympia, from 31st January until 4th February.

Copies of the Letter to Nigel Griffiths available on request. In December the Italian Minister of Public Health, Rossi Bindi, agreed to ask Italian toy manufacturers to use alternatives to PVC in the design and manufacture of toys and to consider legal measures to address the presence of softeners in PVC toys. This followed announcements of legal moves to address soft PVC infant toys in Denmark and Austria (which will also work for European wide regulations) and voluntary measures in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Philippines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
For further information please contact the Greenpeace Press Office on

0171-865 8255/6/7/8

Madeleine Cobbing, Greenpeace International Chlorine Campaigner

Tel: 44-171-8658287, fax 44-171 865 8259

OR Tel/fax 44-1453 753 988

(2) "Lead and Cadmium in Vinyl Children's Products. A Greenpeace Report", Joseph Di Gangi, Greenpeace, 1997.

(3) "Lead and Cadmium in Vinyl Children's Products. A Greenpeace Report", Joseph Di Gangi, Greenpeace, 1997.

(4) Kaiser & Woldmann, Hambourg and Fechter, Berlin 1997