EU passes ban on chemicals in children’s toys

A number of dangerous chemicals will be totally banned from children’s toys after new EU rules were voted on in the EU.

Cancers, immune system disorders and developmental delays for children are all symptoms that these PFAs and bisphenols can cause.

One of the MEPs who negotiated these new rules was the Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan MEP, who has insisted that these chemicals have absolutely no place in children’s toys.

“Protecting children was our main priority in negotiating these new rules.

“These chemicals can cause serious long term issues in children, and as such they should be nowhere near their toys.

“As we come closer to Christmas, parents should also be able to trust that the toys they buy for their children are genuinely safe and free from these toxic chemicals.

The Dublin MEP added that these negotiations were made difficult, and at some points looked like the EU would give priority to corporate interests, rather than protecting children.

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more of this at EU level, where concerns around public health, the environment and other issues are forced to take a back seat to lobbying from big businesses.

“I’m determined to keep working to have more dangerous chemicals banned from children’s toys in the EU.

“Protecting the health of children must always be a priority for all of us,” she said.