The twenty-seven and the European Parliament found an agreement on Thursday, April 10, an agreement to protect children from harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors contained in toys.
“EU toy safety rules [Union européenne] are among the strictest in the world, but we must remain vigilant, adapt the rules to emerging risks and guarantee compliance with security standards for all toys, whether made in Europe or abroad ”said Krzysztof Paszyk, the Polish Minister of Technologies, whose country provides the rotating presidency of the EU.
The text adopted introduces a ban on “Eternal chemicals” (PFAS), providing exemptions only when these substances are completely inaccessible to children.
Per- and polyfluoroalkylas, or pfas, are a family of synthetic chemical substances whose degradation is extremely slow. Chronic exposure, even with low concentrations, with these chemicals has been associated with liver damage, high cholesterol levels, a decrease in immune responses, low birth weight and several types of cancer.
“A strong signal”
The agreement also provides for the ban on other dangerous substances, such as endocrine disruptors, which interfere with the hormonal system.
“The new toy security regulations send a strong signal: for the protection of our children, for fair competition and for Europe as an economic place”noted Marion Walsmann, the German deputy at the origin of the text in the European Parliament. According to Mme Walsmann, one in five products withdrawn from the market by the EU because deemed dangerous, was a toy.
The text will only come into force only officially adopted by the Member States and the European Parliament.
Source: Lemonde