| The Minister of Health Canada introduced a proposed regulatory amendment to help protect infants and toddlers from unnecessary exposure to a harmful chemical found in some consumer products recently. The proposed regulatory amendment would prohibit products intended for children under three years of age that are made, in whole or in part, from polyurethane foam (PUF) containing TCEP (tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate). It is known that TCEP can migrate out of toys and children's products made of PUF, including through fabric coverings, in response to sucking or chewing.
TCEP, an industrial chemical with flame retardant properties, was found to be harmful to human health after an assessment under the Government's Chemicals Management Plan. Sampling and testing conducted by Health Canada found that the chemical was being used in certain foam children's products. Of 40 tested products, 4 were found to contain TCEP. These products were 2 foam books and 2 sleep positioners.
However, subsequent information gathered from stakeholders suggests that Canadian manufacturers have already moved away from the use of TCEP in PUF and replaced it with alternatives. This prohibition would prevent its future use in these products, and prohibit international manufacturers from importing TCEP-containing children's products into Canada.
News from Health Canada |
