§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if she will make a statement on the presence of allegedly carcinogenic chemicals in children's toys sold in the UK, with particular reference to the use of phthalates; [47408]
(2) if she will ban the sale of toys in the UK which contain phthalates. [47409]
§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 25 June 1998]: Children's toys sold in the UK do not contain chemicals that are known or suspected human carcinogens. Some toys do contain phthalate compounds which at high doses have been shown to produce liver tumours in rodents, but the significance of this to humans is doubtful. 215W Furthermore, I am advised by the Department of Health that any resulting exposure is likely to be below the tolerable daily intake, based on this rodent data and incorporating large safety margins, and does not present risk to human health.
In its recently published report the EU Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity, and Environment concluded that it is acceptable to set safe exposure levels for phthalates that are used in PVC. The Committee did not call for a ban on phthalates in PVC toys, but recommended safe limits for their release and that a single test procedure should be developed for use across the Community.
Following my instructions last year, UK safety experts have been leading the research into the release of phthalates. They are working with experts from other Member States in developing an acceptable and validated test method, and the outcome of this collaboration is expected to be available in August.
None of the evidence available has convinced me that a ban on the use of phthalates is necessary. However, I regard the safety of children as paramount and I will give careful consideration to any fresh evidence which shows a cause for concern.