MEPs have reached an agreement with the European Council on the phasing out of dangerous softeners in toys and childcare articles. A vote in the Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg brings a happy end to what has been a bitter, eight year fight on the use of hazardous phthalates in soft PVC toys.

The Council and Parliament have agreed to ban three phthalates that are toxic to reproduction in all toys and childcare articles, and another three liver-damaging phthalates in items that can be put in the mouth.

Jill Evans MEP pictured highlighting the dangers of toxins common in some children's toys

Plaid Cymru Euro-MP Jill Evans - a member of the Parliament's Environment Committee - who has been following this legislation since its inception, welcomed today's vote.

Jill Evans MEP, who represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament, said:

"It has taken eight years, three European Commissions and 11 Council presidencies to protect children from highly toxic substances in their toys, but it is good to see that common sense has finally prevailed over the fierce and deceptive lobbying from industry.

"Toys are meant to be fun and safe – but soft PVC toys full of hazardous substances are neither fun nor safe. I am relieved that dangerous softeners in kids' toys will now be banned."

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Notes

Phthalates are almost exclusively used to soften PVC. Soft PVC toys contain between 10% and 40% of phthalates. Three phthalates are officially classified as toxic to reproduction and another three phthalates are known to have adverse effects on the liver. Phthalates are not chemically bound to PVC, so they will be released from PVC toys over time, especially when put into a child's mouth. Safer alternatives that do not require the addition of phthalates (including other polymers, rubbers and textiles) have been widely available for many years.