Let's make children's toys safe

A recent survey shows that toys made in China contain high levels of phthalates. The government should, therefore, tighten regulations on safety of plastic toys to prevent children from being exposed to phthalates and other dangerous chemicals, says an article on Xinhuanet. Excerpts:

Phthalate, a chemical widely used as plastic softener, is believed to be carcinogenic. According to the recent survey, 15 of the 30 toys bought in Chinese markets as samples contained up to 43 percent phthalates, hundreds of times more than the limit prescribed in the United States.

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The European Union and the US both impose strict restrictions on the use of phthalates in production of toys and other products.

In fact, they banned the use of six common types of phthalates in children's products way back in 1999. Some Asian countries, including Japan and Singapore, have imposed similar restrictions.

In comparison, the regulations on the use of phthalates in toys made in China are limited and loose. For years, many Chinese enterprises have been following two different safety standards for children's products - a stringent one for exports and a comparatively loose one for those sold in the domestic markets - which have caused many safety scandals at home.

No wonder, some domestic consumers have lost faith in toys made in China and those who can afford buy only imported products.

Apparently, consumers cannot pin their hopes only on market regulations when it comes to safe toys.

Perhaps no holiday gift would be better on Children's Day than the government's promise to curb the manufacture and sale of toxic toys. Such a measure will guarantee that children in China, just like their counterparts overseas, get to play with safe toys.