03.09.2014
The chemicals, which are used to soften plastics, can disrupt hormones in children.
The Birmingham Assay Office, which tests jewellery and fashion accessories, said two banned phthalates that could be dangerous if ingested over a long period of time were discovered during testing.
Analysis showed one charm contained 40 per cent of banned phthalates, with EU law stating 0.1 per cent is the legal limit.
A spokeswoman for The Entertainer said: "It was brought to our attention today that loom charms purchased from one of our stores may contain phthalates.”
She added that the safety of children is the company’s number one priority and that the bands were removed from sale as a precautionary measure while a full investigation is carried out.
The Bands Were Found To Contain Hormone-Disrupting Phthalates
Major toy retailer The Entertainer has removed loom bands from sale at its 92 UK stores after it was discovered the products, which are popular with children, contained phthalates.The chemicals, which are used to soften plastics, can disrupt hormones in children.
The Birmingham Assay Office, which tests jewellery and fashion accessories, said two banned phthalates that could be dangerous if ingested over a long period of time were discovered during testing.
Analysis showed one charm contained 40 per cent of banned phthalates, with EU law stating 0.1 per cent is the legal limit.
A spokeswoman for The Entertainer said: "It was brought to our attention today that loom charms purchased from one of our stores may contain phthalates.”
She added that the safety of children is the company’s number one priority and that the bands were removed from sale as a precautionary measure while a full investigation is carried out.
Expert Opinion
The fact that loom bands, which are extremely popular among children, have been found to contain chemicals that can be dangerous when ingested over long periods of time is very troubling. <br/> <br/>“However, it is reassuring that retailers have taken swift action to remove the products from sale and begin an investigation. It is vital people are assured that the products are safe for use if and when they return to the shelves.” Adrian Budgen - Partner
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