European Parliament Bans Phthalates in Toys

The European Parliament voted in July 2005 to make permanent a temporary ban on the use of phthalates in toys. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive abnormalities in the development of boys. Three types of phthalates were banned from all toys and three others were banned from only those toys that children can put in their mouths. The Parliament is also looking into the use of fragrances in toys and the use of phthalates in other products.