VCC Initiatives On Soft Vinyl Products For Very Young Children

TORONTO, November 16, 1998 -- In an effort to reassure parents of the safety of vinyl children’s products, the Vinyl Council of Canada today announced plans to address concerns recently raised about the use of the plasticizer, DiNP in soft teethers and rattles.

"The safe use of all vinyl products, manufactured or distributed in Canada, is and continues to be our primary objective, especially when it involves children," said Marion Axmith, director of the Vinyl Council of Canada (VCC). While the preponderance of scientific evidences supports the safe use of DiNP, we know that parents will be concerned by recent reports on the use of this softener in soft teethers and rattles."

For more than a year, the VCC and other industry associations have worked with Health Canada’s Health Protection Branch in a review of DiNP used in soft teethers and rattles. DiNP, which makes vinyl toys soft and flexible, has been extensively tested and safely used in North America for decades.

"We respect and support Health Canada’s role in protecting children’s health," said Ms. Axmith. "In light of today’s announcement, we feel that both industry and government have a responsibility to reassure parents of the safe use of these products."

In a statement released today in Toronto, the Vinyl Council of Canada has recommended to its members:

• That alternative plasticizers be temporarily used in soft teethers and rattles, designed for very young children (weighing less than eight kilograms or about 18 pounds).
• That an independent, international panel of scientific experts be immediately established to develop global performance standards for soft vinyl toys designed for very young children. This panel would be charged with reviewing all existing scientific studies on DiNP and make recommendations on its future use within the next nine months.

Ms. Axmith added, "We are committed to continuing our work with Health Canada in their current review of all scientific studies as they complete their assessment process on DiNP. After all, children’s safety is paramount."

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For More Information:
Marion Axmith
Vinyl Council of Canada
(905) 678-7405 x 227