Asia-Pacific

Australia bans on toys that contain dangerous chemical

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-25 13:49

CANBERRA: Toys and baby products which contain a potentially dangerous chemical have been banned in Australia, Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson said on Monday.

Dr Emerson said in a press release on Monday he was banning items containing more than one percent Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) because of international research linking it to reproductive difficulties.

While toys and baby products on Australian shelves are thought to be DEHP-free, they are available in some other countries.

"This is largely a precautionary measure because when it comes to the safety of our children, I will err on the side of caution," Dr Emerson said.

DEHP is a chemical used in plastic manufacturing to make products soft or pliable. It has been found in footwear, garden products, vinyl flooring and a range of toys and baby products like teething toys, he said.

"Research has shown there is a risk factor when products containing this chemical are chewed or sucked for long periods that's why I am not taking a risk when it comes to babies and children."

The types of toys and equipment covered by the ban include dummies, bowls, plates, cups, cutlery, soft books, infant activity centers and rattles if they contain more than one percent DEHP.