The Consumers’ Foundation yesterday advised parents to wash their children’s hands after playing with inflatable toys, as nearly 65 percent of inflatables tested recently contained phthalates, a chemical additive that could affect children’s health and growth.
The foundation and the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) tested 14 inflatable toys purchased from hardware stores, outlet malls and wholesale toy shops in April. Nine of the 14 contained plasticizers at levels ranging from 0.35 percent to 25.05 percent of the total mass.
The chemicals found included di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP).
Photo: CNA
The national safety limit for phthalate content in toys, set in accordance with the standard stipulated in CNS 4797-4, is less than 0.1 percent of the phthalates DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP.
Among the nine deficient products, one was also found to contain excessive levels of heavy metals, including 405.55mg/kg — nearly five times the maximum permissible level of 90mg/kg — and 67.24mg/kg of chromium, more than the 60mg/kg limit.
BSMI second division director Wu Tzu-jung (吳姿蓉) said phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with the hormonal system in mammals and cause early onset of puberty in girls and feminization in boys.
“They could also increase women’s risk of developing breast cancer,” Wu added.
Wu said children exposed to high levels of lead are more susceptible to anemia and leukemia, while chromium can irritate children’s respiratory and digestive systems and lead to chronic skin ulcers.
The manufacturers of the tainted toys have been ordered to pull the products off the shelves and make necessary improvements within a given time, Wu said.
Those who fail to comply could face a fine ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$1 million (US$3,300 to US$33,000), he said.
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