Chemicals in toys facing ban by EU

A group of hazardous chemicals could disappear from toys and childcare products after the EU council of ministers voted last week to support banning them. The move follows a long-running campaign by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace to end the use of toxic chemicals known as phthalates, chemicals suspected of causing cancer, kidney damage and disruption of the body's hormone system. These chemicals are used as softeners in toys made of PVC plastic and other items. New research has revealed that a child's risk of developing asthma and allergies rises when they are exposed to phthalates.