Irish consumer groups and environmentalists have welcomed the European Commission's decision to investigate the possible health risk of toys which contain the chemical phthalates.
The Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr William Fagan, said: "If there was any hint of a danger to children, we would withdraw these products immediately." However, he said his office had carried out a search and could not find any of the teething-rings which were at the centre of the Commission's investigation.
An investigation into possible safety risks posed by the use of soft PVC in the manufacture of toys, such as teething-rings, is being carried out by the European Commission, the European Parliament was told this week. Some member-states, particularly Denmark, had already removed three types of "teethers" made in China.
EU Commissioner Mr Padraig Flynn told the parliament on Tuesday that a scientific study was being carried out. He said a meeting of the emergencies committee on consumer health had discussed the matter in October. Concern about safety focused on chemicals known as phthalates.
The Commissioner said a working group on phthalates had been established by the Commission centring on toys and childcare articles. The working group held its first meeting on December 8th and was due to deliver its findings in the first half of next year. Risk assessment of these substances was also being carried out in the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
The matter arose from a question by Leinster Fianna Fail MEP Mr Jim Fitzsimons who said he was asking the question following recommendations from authorities in countries such as Denmark that certain products be taken off shelves.
Mr Flynn, replying, said the Commission was aware of the voluntary withdrawal in some states but no ban had been implemented. It would await the outcome of the investigation.
Ms Rosamond Green, a researcher with the Consumer Association of Ireland, said it would not recommend a ban on the toys until the results of the Commission's study were published. However, if consumers were concerned about the potential risk they should avoid purchasing goods which were manufactured using PVC. The packaging of such goods was marked with a small triangle with the number three inside.
"We very much support the investigation and will be awaiting the comments made by the scientific committee before we can say whether anything further should be done," she said.
However, Ms Iva Pocock, campaign co-ordinator of the environmental group VOICE, said the Government should "phase out" all products which contained phthalates. She said they have a "disruptive effect on hormones" by mimicking oestrogen and counteracting the effects of testosterone.
Phthalates are the most common type of plasticisers which are used in manufacturing to soften plastics. They can also be found in types of clingfilm, formula milk and tins. Ms Pocock said the Government should commit funds to researching the health effects of the chemicals.
Mr Fitzsimons urged the Commission to bring forward its recommendations. "Recent events have taught us the need to be proactive as far as consumer protection is concerned."