BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will ban six toxic chemicals within three to five years, three of which are commonly used in plastic household items, the EU Commission said on Thursday.
Among the compounds are three plastic softening phthalates, a musk fragrance, a flame retardant and a hardener for epoxy resin, the Commission said.
Although the most toxic phthalates have been banned in children's toys since 1999, a survey last October showed some are commonly found in products on supermarket shelves, including items regularly used by children, such as pencil cases and erasers.