The latest craze for loom bands has highlighted once again that an apparently harmless product may have long term detrimental effects to health.   Do you believe your products to be product safety compliant?  You may be surprised.

Out of all items submitted to the Analytical Laboratory for Phthalate testing this year so far, we have found an 18% failure rate. This is a significantly high figure considering that typically our clients believe these products are compliant and are submitting samples to the Analytical laboratory, for checking purposes and Due Diligence type testing. The latest loom bands craze in particular is throwing up some alarming results considering these products are so child appealing. Phthalates can migrate from plastic into the body if they come into contact with saliva or sweat. Phthalates are suspected carcinogens and are known to disturb the endocrine system in both humans and animals. So don’t take any risks. To make sure your product is safe send it to the Analytical Laboratory and protect people’s health and your reputation.   Background Phthalates can be found on textiles, coated Leather and more commonly plastic type articles and is required test under REACH and is found within all Retailer Manuals, to which most have their own policy. Legislation: Reference under REACH for Phthalates is EC1907/2006 Annex 17 No's 51 and 52. Requirement: There are currently 6 banned Phthalates - DEHP, DBP and BBP restricted to a max of 0.1% by weight of the plasticised material in Toys and Childcare Articles. DINP, DIDP and DNOP restricted to a max of 0.1% by weight of the plasticised material in Toys and Childcare Articles that can be mouthed. Application: Used as a softener in PVC, plastics and elastomers. Used in screen and plasticised prints. Concern: Phthalates can migrate from plastic into the body if it comes into contact with saliva or sweat. Phthalates are suspected carcinogens and are known to disturb the endocrine system in both humans and animals. Note: Whilst there may only be 6 banned Phthalates currently within the REACH Directive, there are other Phthalates listed under the REACH Candidate List which are known as SVHC's - Substances of Very High Concern. Some Retailers already request compliance to these in addition to the 'known 6'. Contact the Analytical Laboratory today for more information on phthalates and our toy testing services:    T: 0121 262 1017         E: testing@theassayoffice.co.uk

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