New Delhi:
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has conducted tests on various toys being sold in India and says it has found dangerous levels of toxins, especially Phthalates, which is used to soften plastic.
CSE conducted tests on 24 toy samples being sold in India and have detected phthalates in 23 samples. Out of these, 11 samples exceeded US and EU limits on phthalates, says CSE.
Most of these samples have been imported from China and Taiwan. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is banned in all toys and is amongst the most toxic substances.
The toy brands tested include Funskool and Mattel, CSE said.
India had restricted import of toys unless they met international and domestic standards, but this restriction is coming to an end on January 23.
Exposure to phthalates, especially among infants, can lead to weakening of the immune system, reproductive system and may lead to asthama.