Nov. 12 Canada:Harper Government Introduces Proposed Regulations to Protect Children from Harmful Chemical

This news release is brought to you by Health Canada concerning new regulations that protect children from harmful Chemicals.

Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, introduced a proposed regulatory amendment to help protect infants and toddlers from unnecessary exposure to a harmful chemical found in some consumer products.

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 containTCEP. These products were 2 foam books and 2 sleep positioners.

For more information and the full new release please refer to the link above.