Phthalates are chemicals used in toys to soften plastic. Exposure to them can lead to a wide range of health disorders. They are especially dangerous for children under three years, who tend to put these toys in their mouth. CSE lab tests found phthalates in all samples of toys tested -- over 45 per cent exceeded the internationally accepted safe limit.
India has no regulations to control use of phthalates in toys. It only has voluntary standards covering safety aspects of toys.
On January 23, 2010, the Indian government