Press Releases
Monday 11th November 2005
Toys have never been safer
Despite the scare-raising tactics used by Caroline Lucas MEP on the eve of a European Parliament vote on the REACH chemical proposals, the toys sold today in the UK have never been safer. The toy industry’s highest concern is the safety of children.
David Hawtin, Director General of the British Toy and Hobby Association comments
“It is typical of the environmental lobby to use expectant mothers and mothers with young children as targets in their efforts to draw attention to ’suspect’ chemicals or ’potentially’ dangerous chemicals in toys.
The reality is that the toy industry is strictly and comprehensively regulated - and has been for many years. Consumers should not be misled by concocted myths about ’suspect’ children’s toys. They are baseless.”
The toy industry spends a lot of time and effort identifying materials that are safe. For this reason it supports the objective of REACH. However it is a direct contradiction of REACH to stampede manufacturers away from chemicals that have been risk assessed towards chemicals about which less is known.
For further information please contact Louise Uttridge on 020 7701 7271 or email louise@btha.co.uk
Note to editors
a) The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) members’ account for 95% of toys sold in the UK, working to generate consistently high standards of safety, quality and ethical behaviour.b) About toy regulations and standards
i) Since 1990 toys have been subject to the EU toy safety directive. Toys are not allowed to contain dangerous substances or preparations. They must be designed and constructed so that they do not present health hazards or risk of physical injury.
ii) The toy safety directive is supported by eight separate European toy safety standards with three more - covering organic chemicals - completed and in pipeline.
c) About REACH (the proposed new regulatory framework for chemicals in Europe) is designed to gather information about the effects of chemicals on human health and the environment. Where risks are identified, risk management measures are introduced.