Harper Government Introduces Proposed Regulations to Protect Children from Harmful Chemical - Continuing to take action on harmful chemicals, especially those found in products that are used by children

November 9, 2012
For immediate release

Factsheet: TCEP in Products for Young Children

ETOBICOKE - 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.

"Our Government is committed to protecting the health of hardworking Canadian families," said Minister Aglukkaq.  "That is why we are taking action to prevent harmful chemicals in children's toys from being imported into Canada."

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.

More information on the  Chemicals Management Plan is available at www.chemicalsubstances.gc.ca

"Child safety is a paramount priority for the Canadian Toy Association and its member companies," stated Kerry George, CTA Chair.  "The CTA welcomes this regulatory announcement from the Minister of Health and we will continue to support her ongoing efforts on toy safety."

About the Canadian Toy Association

The CTA is a non-profit trade association that works with its members for the betterment of the Canadian toy industry.  Our top priority is providing safe fun and educational toys. The CTA's 100+ members are manufacturers, importers and distributors of toys generating about $1.8 billion of annual retail sales in Canada.  Although the Canadian toy industry is large, its core members are mainly smaller Canadian businesses.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Canadian Toy Association
Carol McDonald 905-875-1795 or mail@mcmarketing.ca

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709