Health Canada, the Canadian government’s health department, reported the nearly three fourths of the plastic toys that they tested had toxic chemicals which can cause harm among kids.
Phthalates, a chemical used to soften the toys, were banned voluntarily in the country for the past ten years. Yet, the health officials discovered the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on 54 out of 72 products tested. These toys are reportedly marketed for kids’ ages three and below.
Items that are considered dangerous are baby toys that are likely to be swallowed or place in the mouth and even items that can aid in feeding infants. The percentage level of the chemical is between 0.2 and 40 percent.
Based on current standards, phthalates on products should not go beyond 0.1 percent.
As of now, Health Canada did not release the details of retailers and brands included in the controversy. Officials added that no action is necessary for now because the products are considered legal in the country.
However, several groups have criticized the move by Health Canada for not coming up with the list for public knowledge since the protection of the babies is on the line.
Phthalates are still being used to soften plastic toys because other means are proven to be costly.
