New EU laws aimed at banning chemicals known as endocrine disruptors in the manufacture of children's toys are aimed at protecting our children from “invisible dangers,” an Irish MEP has said.

These chemicals are linked to several plastics, including phthalates, PVC and BPA, which are used to make toys more flexible, shatterproof or colourful.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has said these plastics can disrupt hormones.

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is part of the European Parliament's Consumer Protection Committee, which is seeking to ban the use of the chemicals in children's toys.

Proposal

The proposals have now been endorsed by the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament.

"The purpose of these new laws are to protect our children from invisible dangers such as harmful chemicals and ensuring that warnings such as age restrictions are clearly visible on the products," Ms Ní Mhurchú said.

"Toys are an essential part of a child’s upbringing but we want children to be able to enjoy their toys without doing them any harm."

Ms Ní Mhurchú said the constant arrival of new and varied toys on the market demonstrates the need for further legislation.

EU law

As it stands, the EU prohibits substances in toys that can cause cancer, genetic mutations and impact reproduction.

CHEM Trust, a charity based in Germany and the UK, is also calling for a ban on the use of endocrine disruptors in children's toys.

Last week, they released a statement advising parents to avoid buying products that might contain endocrine disruptors this Christmas.

Image shows a baby boy sitting on living room floor playing with toys, Alamy

CHEM Trust said parents should only buy toys from reputable stores and they should avoid toys that are heavily scented or smell strongly of chemicals.

They also advise consumers to choose toys made from solid wood and, if painted, parents should look for water-based, non-toxic paints.

Soft plastic toys may contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, CHEM Trust say.

Feature image shows a child playing with plastic toys, Alamy.

Additional reporting by Sarah McKenna Barry