Bangemann considers ban on PVC softeners

Date: 04/02/1999

By Renée Cordes

INDUSTRY Commissioner Martin Bangemann is considering an immediate ban on using some plastic softeners in babies' teething rings and dummies, and a temporary prohibition on others.

While EU toymakers have applauded the move away from Bangemann's original proposal for a wider ban on six polyvinyl chloride (PVC) softeners, environmental campaigners claim the latest proposal would not protect children adequately from exposure to potentially toxic substances.

The latest draft of Bangemann's proposals calls for an immediate ban on the use of DINP and DEHP - two types of PVC softening agents known as phthalates - in toys designed specifically to be put into children's mouths.

To justify his plans, the Commissioner points to a study carried out by the EU's Scientific Committee last year. This concluded that DINP should only be put on the market if the amount of the substance which would be transmitted orally conformed to set guidelines, and found that DEHP could cause cancer.

Bangemann's draft proposal also calls for the prohibition of four other types of PVC until the beginning of 2005, claiming that there is insufficient information about these substances to justify their presence on the market.

These substances are not currently used in toys, and the move is designed to prevent manufacturers from using them as plastics substitutes in teething rings and dummies and to allow more time for further evaluation of potential health risks.

Bangemann's proposals would amend an existing EU directive on the marketing and use of products and would require the approval of both Union governments and the European Parliament.

The move follows last year's controversy over calls by Consumer Affairs Commissioner Emma Bonino for an immediate ban on all phthalates. Bonino, who has the power to introduce emergency measures under the terms of another EU directive on general product safety, was persuaded to hold her fire until a reliable test to evaluate toxicity had been devised.

Aides say she will refrain from drawing up fresh proposals until a newly established Commission committee completes work on guidelines for assessing the risks posed by potentially harmful products. Its report is expected before the end of May.

While industry has repeatedly argued against a sweeping ban on toys made from PVC, the lobby group Toy Industries of Europe has welcomed Bangemann's plan to limit restrictions to substances specifically intended to go into babies' mouths.

"Anything is more reasonable than banning the substances," said Maurits Bruggink, secretary-general of the toy lobby. "The products that the Commission wants to regulate are very specific products."

But environmental groups are still pressing for a ban on all PVC toys, arguing that young children do not distinguish between toys made for sucking and playthings such as bath books and rubber ducks.

"It is not acceptable that any hazardous substance be used in children's toys," said Axel Singhofen, toxics adviser to Greenpeace International's European unit.