Sir, - I refer to your report "Investigation into chemical used in toys welcomed" (The Irish Times, December 19th) and the subsequent correspondence (Letters, December 29th) both of which contained inaccuracies of which your readers should be made aware.Claims that phthalates have a disruptive effect on hormones and that they negatively affect reproduction and the endocrine system - as suggested by Mrs Iva Pocock, campaign co-ordinator of the environmental group VOICE - are not only unfounded, but confused and irresponsible. Such conjecture serves only to raise unnecessary public concern.Phthalates are modern, reliable and cost-effective chemical products used to soften plastics, in particular PVC.The level of human and environmental exposure to phthalates, together with all aspects of their toxicology, have been thoroughly studied over the past 40 years and there is substantial evidence to show - that at current and foreseeable exposure levels - they do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Furthermore, there are internationally validated tests which have shown that they produce no oestrogenic effects.PVC and phthalates have been used in the manufacture of toys and baby products for some 50 years. Five generations of children across the world have played with, and sucked on, toys made from pliable PVC and there is no evidence of any side-effects.For some years there has been a well-established and rigorous testing procedure, controlled by the European Union, to ensure that numerous chemicals in everyday use - including phthalates - are scrutinised and scientifically evaluated regularly by the European Commission in consultation with the EU member states.As part of this ongoing procedure, risk assessments are currently being conducted by relevant independent authorities in Sweden, France, Norway and the Netherlands, with different countries studying individual members of the phthalate family. The European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) welcomes these assessments because they continue to ensure the safety of such products at the same time as giving reassurance to the public.The voluntary withdrawal of PVC toys by retailers in some European countries before Christmas arose from misconceived fears fuelled by ill-informed campaigns mounted by environmental groups.The European plasticiser industry is a responsible and responsive industry and its members are committed to the global chemical industry initiative of Responsible Care. If any of our products were shown to present a significant risk to people or the environment, your readers can be assured we would act to reduce that risk or, where appropriate, remove the product from use. - Yours, etc.,(Dr) David Cadogan,European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates,Brussels,Belgium.