A new global survey, that included toy samples made out of recycled plastic from a few Delhi markets, has found high levels of toxic elements in toys that are usually found in electronic waste.
The study, conducted by IPEN, a global civil society network, and Arnika, an environmental organisation in the Czech Republic, based its findings on samples collected from across the world, including four from Delhi.
OctaBDE or octabromodiphenyl ether and DecaBDE or decabromodiphenyl ether are chemicals that harm the reproductive system and disrupt hormone systems, adversely impacting intelligence, attention, learning and memory, it said.
The study also found the presence of HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) in the toys, albeit, at levels lower than the proposed safe limit of 100 ppm.
Both OctaBDE and HBCD are listed in the Stockholm Convention for global elimination and DecaBDE is recommended for listing in the treaty for elimination and a decision on this will be taken at the upcoming 8th Conference of the Parties (COP8).
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