Very dangerous chemicals found in children's toys

An alarming study

Plastic toys, dangerous for our children? Health-environment researchers whose France Nature Environment tested 430 consumer products in Europe. They did not hesitate to share the alarming result of their study published on October 17: 25% of them contain high rates of brominated flame retardants, from electronic waste. These compounds are true endocrine disruptors known to alter the functioning of the thyroid, cause neurological disorders and significant deficits in attention in children. Recycling, only responsible? Researchers have in any case made it necessary to specify in their study that these everyday objects are produced from recycled plastic. Of the 25% involved, 70 and 98% of the products contain two of the 28 most toxic chemicals on the planet because of their persistence in the environment … To be more specific, 107 articles contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 80 others objects contain hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Unfortunately, the highest concentrations of PBDEs were found in children's toys, and especially in a small guitar sold in Portugal … An alarming finding because, we know, children often put their toys in their mouths.

For French products, three toys and three hair accessories were badyzed: 100% of the samples contained wanted toxic products. "It is unacceptable that toys, supposed to develop the motor skills and intellectual capacity of children, such as plastic puzzles and Rubik cubes, also expose them to toxic chemicals with totally opposite neurotoxic effects," say the researchers. their study.

Bad recycling

Toxic substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane are, however, regulated by the Stockholm Convention with strict limits because of their dangerousness to health and the environment. But, for reasons of recycling development : "The European Union currently allows exemptions and allows the recycling of some of the most dangerous materials found in plastics. Members have the power to remove this derogation to protect the health of citizens. "Says Genon Jensen, co-author of the study. France Nature Environment specifies that at its level, the consumer can hardly act. He can only limit his purchases of plastic items. Only hope? "Require the EU to align the permitted limits of hazardous substances in recycled plastics with those of new plastics," says Genon Jensen, who urges MEPs to vote against any derogation for recycled plastics at the end of the session. plenary session of the European Parliament which started yesterday, 22 October 2018.