SWEDEN BECOMES THIRD EU COUNTRY TO BAN PHTHALATES IN PVC TOYS

14 September 1998

Amsterdam -- Last week, Sweden became the third EU member state to initiate a ban on phthalate softeners in PVC toys. On Friday, Sweden notified the European Commission of the ban, which is due to come into force early next year.

According to the Swedish Government, "Sweden considers it unacceptable that children under the age of three are exposed to the risks that follow from the usage of phthalates in toys and children's articles, and the prohibition above intends to ensure protective measures in accordance with the recommendation from the EU Commission. The prohibition ensures a high level of security for the health of children." ⁽¹⁾

"Greenpeace congratulates the Swedish Government for taking action based on the precautionary principle", said Madeleine Cobbing of Greenpeace International, "Children in all countries deserve this sort of protection. Unfortunately soft PVC toys continue to be sold in many countries".

Austria was the first country to implement a ban on phthalates in certain soft PVC toys. The ban in Austria is due to come into force in January 1999. This was followed by an announcement by the Danish EPA, on 4th August, of a national ban on phthalates in toys and other articles for children under 3, which is expected to enter into force in November 1998. The Norwegian Government is also in the process of drafting legislation to control phthalates in toys, and a proposal is expected before the end of September. The draft Swedish legislation, however, goes further than the Austrian and Danish bans as it includes a provision to prevent other chemical additives replacing the phthalates.

The European Commission made a recommendation in July to member states to take appropriate measures nationally to ensure a high level of child health protection. The Commission also removed PVC toys from their own employee's crèches earlier this year. "We urge the member states to follow the example of Sweden and the Commission to make sure that children don't have access to these toys", said Cobbing.

Many EU countries have yet to act on the recommendation, and are waiting for the results of a study commissioned by the Dutch Government on the leaching of phthalates from soft PVC toys. The study aims to set a standard method of testing to see if PVC toys fall within so called 'safe' limits or not, and the results are expected later this month. "There is no excuse for allowing children to be exposed to a hazardous substance, while searching for a test to determine exactly how much a child will ingest", added Madeleine Cobbing.

The entire life cycle of PVC plastic is a polluting process. Its production involves highly toxic chemicals and generates hazardous emissions and wastes. When burned in accidental fires or waste incinerators, PVC is a significant source of dioxin and other hazardous wastes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Madeleine Cobbing, Greenpeace International, +44 1453 753 988
Please visit Greenpeace International's PVC Toys site for more information on the campaign:
http://www.greenpeace.org/~comms/pvctoys/index.html