Today is the deadline for stakeholders to submit views on a health ministry proposal for a ban. The plan will be discussed with other ministries before an official government proposal is published. This could happen within weeks, according to one observer, though a ministry official declined to confirm the likely time-scale for a decision.
Baby holds a wooden teething toy.
Studies have shown that young children ingest small amounts of the phthalates when they chew or suck on the soft PVC toys, rattles and teethers. There are six chemicals within the class of phthlates being considered for the German ban. Studies have shown that some of these chemicals cause damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs in mice and rats. Other studies indicate that high doses may cause liver tumors in mice and rats. However, scientists do not agree about whether the cancer risk translates to humans.