Strengthening Lead Management Standards for Children's Products to 90ppm

Ministry of Environment Announces Legislative Notice for Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Environmental Health Act

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[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Management standards (content limits) for the heavy metal 'lead' contained in paints or finishing materials used in children's activity spaces will be strengthened. In addition, management standards for the environmental harmful substance 'phthalates,' which may pose health risks to children and are contained in the surface materials of synthetic rubber flooring, will be newly established.

The Ministry of Environment announced on the 30th that it will issue a 40-day legislative notice starting from the 31st for the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Environmental Health Act, which includes these provisions.

The amendment strengthens the management standard for lead used in surface coatings of children's products from the current 0.06% (600 ppm) to 0.009% (90 ppm). The United States and Japan regulate lead content at 90 ppm.

Additionally, a management standard of 0.1% has been newly established for phthalates, environmental harmful substances contained in the surface materials of synthetic resin and synthetic rubber flooring used in children's activity spaces, which may pose health risks to children.

Park Yong-gyu, Director of Environmental Health Policy at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Management standards for lead, a heavy metal harmful to children's health, and phthalates, known as endocrine disruptors, can now be managed at the level of major advanced countries. Through this legislative notice of the amendment, we will gather diverse opinions from all sectors to create an environment where children can grow up healthy and safe."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.