Disturbing results of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection inspection. Hazardous substances in toys
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection and the Trade Inspection checked 220 toy models for the content of phthalates, including: balls, skipping ropes and dolls, as well as 30 models of sensory slime masses, i.e. the so-called gluteks, in which the level of boron migration was tested. It's about the amount of this element that can be released from the toy during kneading and then penetrate into the child's body through touch. Numerous irregularities were detected.
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Hazardous substances in popular toys
The study found that of the 250 toy models checked, a quarter were not correctly labeled. “The consumer did not know, for example, whether the toy meets the applicable requirements, who is responsible for it, how to use it, what to watch out for,” says the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
In turn, over 16 percent products did not meet safety standards. The level of phthalates was exceeded by almost 15%. tested toys – in one of the balls it turned out to be as much as 200 times higher. “We detected a higher than permissible level of boron migration in every third slime mass – one of the 'slimes' exceeded the norm four times,” the Office added.
Administrative proceedings may be imposed for placing dangerous and incorrectly labeled toys on the market. This may result in a fine ranging from PLN 10,000. up to 20 thousand PLN for formal irregularities and up to PLN 100,000. PLN for introducing a toy on the market that does not comply with safety requirements.
“In the absence of appropriate labeling, entrepreneurs can immediately take corrective action and avoid fines. However, dangerous toys are withdrawn from sale and reported by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection to the EU Safety Gate system to prevent them from ending up in the hands of other European consumers,” the publication reported.
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As explained by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, substances are used in the production of toys, the limits of which are strictly defined. They make objects soft and flexible. The permissible content of phthalates, which make the material plastic, is 0.1%. per kg of material weight. The permissible level of boron migration is a maximum of 300 mg per kg of mass. Both substances have no smell or taste. In excess, they are dangerous to health.
The office appeals to consumers to be vigilant, especially when it comes to toys imported from outside the European Union. They may contain a mark that looks confusingly like a European declaration of conformity. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection advises you to pay attention to the correct distance between the letters and the fact that the middle line in “E” should be shorter. The office also advises to pay attention to toy labels, especially age limits and warnings.
