The importance of Toy safety regulations.

 

 

All toys must meet the requirements of the Toy Safety Regulations.

Some toys have been discovered to be unsafe months after being placed on the market.

In some cases the injury or the death of a child is the reason these toys have been recalled. Toxic and harmful products are cadmium, lead, and Phthalates .

You should always carefully inspect the labels before buying. In 2007 the worlds biggest toy company Mattel recalled millions of products. Toys like Barbie dolls, Polly pocket and Fisher price toys were removed. Lots of these toys were recalled because of the level of lead in the paint.

What are the dangers of lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the blood. It goes often unrecognized because it starts with no obvious lead poisoning symptoms. Lead poisoning causes learning disabilities, behaviour problems and at high levels it can lead to coma and death.

What are Phthalates?

Phtalates used to make pacifiers

Phthalates are very common chemicals used to make plastic flexible so they can be shaped into useful items.

They can be found in childrens toys, pacifiers, certain cosmetics, paint, glue and lots of other products we use daily. The theory that exposure to Phthalates interferes with the hormonal or endocrine system is not totally confirmed yet. Since January 2009 there are new toy safety regulations. The new Child Safety Law requires that every toy for children under the age of 12 has to be tested for lead and Phthalates .

 

What about China Manufacturers?

Nearly 80 % of all the toys in the USA are made in China. In 2007 there was a hugh recall on China produced toys. So since 2007 China has it's own Safety Regulations. All manufacturers have to apply for the China Compulsory Certification ( CCC ).

 

Toy Safety Guidelines for manufacturers and traders:

Toy Safety Guidelines for manufacturers and importers in the Europian Union.

Toy safety guidelines for Australian Traders.