EU Calls for Ban on PVC Babies' Dummies and Teethers Over Health Risks

The European Union has raised concerns over the safety of babies' dummies, teething rings, and feeding bottle teats made from PVC, citing the potential health risks associated with sucking these products. Children under three could be exposed to dangerous levels of phthalates, chemicals linked to cancer and infertility, if they use PVC products. Euro chiefs have demanded swift action to ban dummies and teethers made from PVC, but Britain is resisting the move.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Union is calling for a ban on PVC babies' dummies, teething rings, and feeding bottle teats due to health risks from sucking them.
• Children under three could be exposed to high levels of phthalates, chemicals linked to cancer and infertility, if they use PVC products.
• EU scientists are concerned that long-term exposure to phthalates can increase the risk of cancer and cause infertility.
• Denmark has already withdrawn teething rings from shop shelves, while Spain has banned a number of products.
• The Greenpeace environmental group has backed a ban, saying it should cover PVC toys as well.
• Britain's Consumer Affairs Minister, Nigel Griffiths, has stated that softeners used in PVC in the UK do not release dangerous levels of phthalates.
• The Health Department has advised that there is unlikely to be any health risk from phthalates found in teething rings.

Statistics:

• Tens of thousands of suspect PVC products are sold in Britain every year.
• Children under three could be exposed to high levels of phthalates, chemicals linked to cancer and infertility, if they use PVC products.
• Phthalates are used to soften PVC, and long-term exposure is thought to increase the risk of cancer and cause infertility.

Sources:

• European Union officials
• Emma Bonino, European Consumer Affairs Commissioner
• Greenpeace environmental group
• Britain's Consumer Affairs Minister, Nigel Griffiths
• The Health Department