We generally take toys for granted but this may no longer be the case atleast not if we are concerned about the health of our young children.
A committee formed to test toxicity of heavy metals and phthalates in toys will begin their investigation soon. The 11 member committee formed by the Indian Council for Medical Research on the behest of the Ministry of Health was formed in November, 2009 after the Supreme Court ordered the testing of level of heavy metals in toys.
The BIS agrees that there is a need to regulate the use of phthalates in toys. The BIS stated this in a response to the Bombay High Court on Feb 24th 2011. The court was hearing a PIL filed by the Consumers Welfare Association in 2007, seeking action against the sale of toxic toys in India. The Bombay High Court bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice DY Chandrachud in September last year, asked the BIS to respond to central government's suggestions on the need to regulate the use of phthalates in toys.
The Bombay High Court directed the Bureau of Indian Standards on March 24,2011 to set standards on phthalates in toys within two months. The court also directed the Ministry of Commerce, once the BIS sets standards, to issue a notification mandating the phthalates standards in toys.
Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) released its draft regulations on standards on phthalates in toys on April 21, 2011. The draft standards have been released following a Bombay High Court Order on March 24, 2011. The court's direction was in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL)filed by the Consumer Welfare Association in 2007 demanding stringent regulations for phthalates in toys.
Latest CSE study finds high levels of toxic phthalates in children’s toys in India.
CSE LAB STUDY: TOXIC TOYS Worse, and almost predictable now, the Indian government does not regulate or monitor the use of these inimical chemicals, putting children at risk.
Fact Sheet 2: Health Implications