Revision of the toy safety directive will children really be safe from hazardous chemicals in toys? European Parliament Brussels, 3 September 2008 Women in Europe for a Common Future

Concerned about European childrens health International Association for Cancer Research (IARC)- Steliarova-Foucher, (2004), The Lancet 364. Cancer incidence in children is increasing at 1% yearly; it is the 2nd cause of mortality. International Association for Cancer Research (IARC)- Steliarova-Foucher, (2004), The Lancet 364. Netherlands, October % of children that are cured of cancer have lifelong disabilities. Netherlands, October 2006 Noreen, K., Mieronyte, D. (1998) Contaminants in Swedish human milk Uterus and breast milk are chemically contaminated (pollutants pass through the placental barrier). Noreen, K., Mieronyte, D. (1998) Contaminants in Swedish human milk

Lifelong effects of early exposure 1 in every 6 boys born in Europe today will have a low sperm count, 1 in every 6 boys born in Europe today will have a low sperm count, Research shows links with prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting substances. Research shows links with prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting substances. Carlsen E., et al (1992), British Medical Journal 305. See also van Waeleghem, K., et al (1996), Human Reproduction 112.Carlsen E., et al (1992), British Medical Journal 305. See also van Waeleghem, K., et al (1996), Human Reproduction 112.

Toys 30-50% Couch (foam) % PVC Shower curtain 20-40% Shoes 10-30% Wallpaper % Rain gear 20-40% Products containing Phthalates Cosmetics

Innovation: Substitution and Clean Production… Biodegradable hydrogel superabsorbents Biodegradable Surfactants Chitosan for use in microencapsulation of drugs Halogen-free flame retardants Compostable packaging Castor oil-based plasticiser (phthalate substitute!) Source: Green Chemistry

Toy Directive Revision Proposed improvements 1 All CMRs (cat. 1, 2 and 3) must be entirely excluded from toys without exception: there is no safe minimum level All CMRs (cat. 1, 2 and 3) must be entirely excluded from toys without exception: there is no safe minimum level Until a total exclusion of all CMRs, the guidelines on chemicals of the food and cosmetics directive should apply to all toys Until a total exclusion of all CMRs, the guidelines on chemicals of the food and cosmetics directive should apply to all toys CMRs must not be allowed in non- accessible parts of toys either CMRs must not be allowed in non- accessible parts of toys either

Toy Directive Revision Proposed improvements 2 Other known hazardous substances should also not be allowed in toys should be All substances of very high concern All substances of very high concern –Endocrine Disruptors (at a minimum, the EU endocrine disrupting priority list) –PBT and vPvB –Neurotoxins Non-classified dangerous chemicals Non-classified dangerous chemicals Emerging risk substances as nano-particles Emerging risk substances as nano-particles

Toy Directive Revision Proposed improvements 3 All allergenic substances and sensitizers, should be excluded from toys All allergenic substances and sensitizers, should be excluded from toys –Not just a limited number of fragrances

Toy Directive Revision Proposed improvements 4 Precautionary principle at the basis - no data no market Precautionary principle at the basis - no data no market Comitology procedure Comitology procedure Stakeholder participation Stakeholder participation

Günter Verheugen Vice-president EC speaking on PFOS at the European Parliament, 24 October 2006 I do not accept the Argument that we should use highly toxic substances to have economic growth or to save jobs The decision can only be one of protecting humans and nature from preventable risks, unconditionally

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