Conclusions and recommendations
In three phases in the course of the project (in the interval of two years), we commissioned, in total, 59 analyses for presence of phthalates, and 3 analyses for migration and contents of heavy metals in toys, childcare articles, children's clothes and wallpapers that may be used for internal decoration of flats, i.e., areas where children stay. At first, the
... [Show full abstract] taken samples of products were subjected to screening analysis using an X-ray spectrometer XRF, in order to verify whether the product in question was made of plasticized PVC. Simultaneously, this method was used for rough finding of contents of heavy metals and brominated flame retardants, which are dealt with in a completely separate part of the study.
Subsequently, the analysis results were compared with phthalate regulation valid in the EU, because majority of the found phthalates was not regulated by the Belorussian legislation. Only in three cases, the toys contained dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which, according to ТР ТС 008/2011 (ECUC 2011), must not be released from toys at all. Concerning phthalates use of which is banned in toys and childcare articles in the EU, DEHP was found in amounts exceeding limits in 22 cases of 59 analyses, and of these number 13-times in toys. Of the 59 analyses, phthalate amounts exceeding 0.1 % by weight were found in 41 cases, however, only 29 materials, i.e., about a half of the 59 analysed materials, would not be in compliance with the European legislation. This was caused by the fact that in twelve cases from the last set of samples only isophthalate DOIP was found in amounts exceeding 0.1 % by weight, and the amount of this substance has not been limited by any legislation measure yet.
The DEHP phthalate formed more than a half (50 %) of weight of the plasticized PVC used for the toy production in three cases, whereas in the other product categories the maximum DEHP amounts were between a fifth and a quarter of the plasticized PVC weight.
It follows from the study obviously that legislative regulation of phthalates is insufficient, both in the Belarus and in the EU, because the manufacturers have been replacing toxic phthalates by other ones, that were examined by a lower number of studies, but, in spite of that, they were already included onto the list of substances with hazardous properties (DOIP). The study also showed that although toys bought in marketplaces were more problematic, also in the case of products bought in brick and mortar stores and manufactured in European countries, including Belarus, it cannot be said with certainty that they were free of hazardous phthalates. This also proves the need of more often inspections, for which, however, the state authorities in Belarus lack a legislative basis, namely a ban of toxic phthalates, such as DEHP and DOIP.
The consumers have a simple possibility for avoiding phthalates – not to buy toys made of plasticized PVC. However, marking of the material from which the toy in question was produced is a problem. Even we had to make an X-ray spectrometer analysis in order to be sure what the material was.
As proved by studies focusing on presence of phthalates in dust in the indoor environment of buildings (Kolarik, Naydenov et al. 2008, Kim, Yang et al. 2011, Petrlík and Kristian 2012, Beko, Weschler et al. 2013), toys and childcare articles are not the only way through which young children are exposed to toxic phthalates. Because of that, it is important to eliminate these substances, without exceptions, also from products used for internal decoration of flats and other areas where children stay. Again, the simplest way for the consumers is to avoid products made of plasticized PVC.
