Advisory
1998-85
16 November 1998
Health Canada advises parents and caregivers of very young children to dispose of soft vinyl (PVC) teethers and soft vinyl (PVC) rattles
Ottawa - As a precautionary measure, Health Canada today issued an advisory to parents and caregivers of very young children regarding soft vinyl products designed to be mouthed (sucked or chewed). Health Canada's risk assessment of these products has concluded that a health risk stems from the plasticizer, a phthalate called DINP, which is used to make soft vinyl soft. Laboratory tests on animals have shown that intense DINP exposure can cause potential damage to the kidneys and liver.
This advisory does not apply to pacifiers and feeding bottle nipples
Based on testing to date, Health Canada has found no products of this type containing DINP. Health Canada will continue to monitor these products.
The products addressed in this advisory are as follows:
Soft teethers/soft rattles
Products designed for sucking or teething (soft teethers, soft rattles) which are made of soft vinyl (PVC) pose a potential health risk to very young children (weighing less than eight kilograms) when sucked or chewed for prolonged periods (three hours or more a day on a daily basis). Parents or caregivers are advised to dispose of these products.
Health Canada is working closely with retailers to identify and remove any potentially harmful products from store shelves immediately.
There are teethers and rattles currently on store shelves that have been identified as safe to use. A list of these products known not to contain DINP is attached.
 A selection of consumer products that have all tested positive in Health Canada laboratories for the possibility of containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The pencil indicates the relative size of the items.
Small soft vinyl toys often used in cribs or playpens
In addition, parents or caregivers are advised to watch their children's use of other small, soft vinyl toys not specifically designed for sucking and chewing but often found in cribs or playpens and to remove these products from the child's environment if they observe that the child is sucking or chewing them for extended periods (three hours or more a day, on a daily basis).
While the risk of extended sucking and chewing is still under study, this health advisory has been issued as a result of scientific indications of a potential health risk for young children who weigh less than eight kilograms who have high oral (mouth) contact with these products (three hours a day, on a daily basis).
Because soft vinyl (PVC) products containing DINP cannot be distinguished from other soft plastics by appearance, touch or smell, parents and caregivers are advised to monitor the use of these products by very young children.
Health Canada has asked manufacturers of small, soft vinyl toys, to find a safe substitute for vinyl containing DINP over the next six months.\
Other soft vinyl children's products
With respect to soft vinyl products for children other than those often used in cribs and playpens, Health Canada does not advise that specific action be taken at this time.
Health Canada is currently working with non-governmental organizations, retailers and manufacturers as well as other countries to examine further the use of DINP in all children's products and will advise parents and caregivers as appropriate.
Until recently, the nature of the health risk posed by the exposure of young children to DINP in soft vinyl children's products was not known. For over a year, Health Canada has been working with international health agencies to evaluate the risk from these products. To date, a few countries in Europe have announced intentions to restrict the use of DINP in these products. Health Canada is also monitoring what is happening in countries where no action has been taken to date, such as the U.S. and some other European countries.
Health Canada is issuing this health advisory as a precautionary measure to enable parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about their children's health. If parents, caregivers or family members want more information, they can phone our toll-free line at 1-888-774-1111. Teletypewriter (TTY) for hearing impaired: 1-800-465-7735. Information has also been provided to retailers, institutions, caregivers, and physicians.
A list of teethers and rattles known not to contain DINP is attached.
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For more information
- 1-888-774-1111
- TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Media enquiries
- Ottawa: Margot Geduld (613) 957-1803
- Toronto: Debbie Paine (416) 973-4183
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- Montreal: Jean-Louis Caya (514) 283-5809
- Winnipeg: Morgan Fontaine (204) 983-3028
- Edmonton: Lance Beswick (403) 495-4580
- Vancouver: Blair Parkhurst (604) 666-2310
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