European authorities are grappling with a growing concern over the safety of products marketed to children, ranging from toys and play equipment to baby products and even materials used in recreational spaces. Recent reports indicate a surge in the discovery of hazardous substances in these items, prompting calls for stricter oversight and a reevaluation of current safety standards.
The issue gained prominence following investigations in Belgium and the Netherlands revealing the presence of asbestos in play sand and toxic substances in baby milk. Dutch journalist Teun van de Keuken, who initiated testing of play sand, highlighted a perceived reluctance from authorities to proactively address the issue. “What if my child put toxic sand in their mouth?” was a question posed by HLN, reflecting the anxieties of parents across the region.
The core of the problem appears to stem from the complexities of the European market and the interpretation of the CE marking, a symbol intended to signify conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards. As one source noted, many people are unaware of what the CE label actually guarantees. This lack of understanding, coupled with the increasing volume of imported goods, creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
The situation is further complicated by diverging regulatory approaches between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Since Brexit, the EU has enacted stricter regulations on a significantly larger number of chemicals – 46 in total – banning, restricting, or requiring safety warnings for them. In contrast, the UK has only added one chemical to its watchlist, and only after a global ban was already in place under the Stockholm Convention. This divergence raises concerns that children in the UK may face greater risks from exposure to toxic substances in toys, playgrounds, and artificial turf.
Specifically, the EU is moving to restrict “endocrine disrupting” chemicals found in toys, which have been linked to ADHD and impaired brain development. A ban on “rubber crumb” – recycled tire particles used in playground surfaces and artificial sports pitches – is slated for 2031 due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known carcinogens linked to various cancers and a source of microplastic pollution. The EU has also increased restrictions on “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS.
The concerns extend beyond toys, and playgrounds. Recent research published in Environmental Sciences Europe revealed extremely high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children’s toys sold across European markets. The study found that PBDE concentrations in some toys exceeded EU limits by as much as 47 times, suggesting the direct recycling of flame-retardant plastics – potentially from electronic waste – into toy components. This practice raises serious questions about the circular economy and the potential for hazardous materials to re-enter the consumer supply chain.
The presence of PBDEs isn’t an isolated incident. Numerous regulations already exist worldwide aimed at controlling harmful additives in plastic toys, including restrictions on phthalates and other allergenic substances. The EU’s Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC regulates over 70 substances used in toys and childcare products, but the recent findings suggest that enforcement and monitoring may be insufficient.
In response to the immediate crisis surrounding contaminated play sand, schools in some areas have been asked to cover sandboxes, and authorities are allowing the temporary transfer of sand to recycling centers. However, Here’s a reactive measure, and experts are calling for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to product safety.
The Chem Trust charity has been a vocal advocate for stricter chemical regulations, highlighting the need to protect children from harmful exposures. Their work, alongside revisions to the EU Toy Safety Directive in 2023, demonstrates a growing awareness of the risks posed by chemicals in toys and a commitment to improving safety standards. However, the recent discoveries underscore the challenges of effectively regulating a complex and globalized market.
The situation demands increased vigilance from regulatory bodies, greater transparency in supply chains, and a renewed focus on enforcing existing regulations. Consumers also have a role to play by demanding safer products and holding manufacturers accountable. The health and well-being of children depend on a robust and effective system for ensuring the safety of the products they use every day.
