High level toxic being used in plastic toys, says CSE

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has found high level of toxic phthalates being used for softening the plastic in toys.

According to the study, an exposure to these chemicals can lead to wide range of health disorders among kids who tend to put them in their mouth.

Addressing the media, the CSE Director Sunita Narayan on Friday said the toys tested for chemical content revealed that they crossed the standards set for chemical use in toys. Most of the toys were imported from China, Taiwan and many were produced in India itself.

Narayan expressed concern at the inability of the government to regulate the industry.

"We have to make sure that the imports that are incoming meet the standards, now that the effort in India is not standards because people do not want to regulate our domestic industry. So, we do not want standards. And as a result of it, even if in an industry a large part of imports, we are not able to regulate it," she said.

"And I think that is really the concern here in India that we run away from regulating industry and it is our government not the Chinese government. The Chinese government is responsible for China, Indian government is responsible to us," Narayan added.

Since, January 2009, under pressure from a vigilant judiciary, authorities in India tried to regulate the safety aspects of imported toys.

Import of toys from China was banned in India.

But while making it mandatory for imports to conform to standards, the authorities doesn't ask its own industry to meet the same.

The ban lapses on January 23, 2010, which is a major concern, says the CSE. (ANI)