Group warns: Fake ‘Frozen’ dolls may be tainted with phtalates

Fake dolls of characters from the hit movie "Frozen" that are being sold in Manila's Divisoria district may not only be a violation of intellectual property - they may also be dangerous due to their phthalate content.

Phtalates, synthetic chemicals used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, were found in the sample dolls bought and tested by EcoWaste Coalition.

The group said the fake Anna, Elsa and Olaf dolls were sold under names such as “Disney Frozen,” “Fashion Freeze,” “Fashion Frozen,” “Frozen,” “Girl Snow,” “Happy Doll Collection,” “Happy Every Day,” “Magic Snow” and “Sweet Fashion.”

EcoWaste coordinator Anthony Dizon said the danger is that children could place the dolls' parts in their mouths or even chew on them.

In doing so, they may directly ingest phthalates, which may disrupt hormone functions and cause health problems such as asthma, reproductive disorders and cancers.

“Our country also limits phthalates in toys.  However, we have yet to hear a single case of toy ban or recall due to excessive phthalate content despite the availability of PVC toys in the local market," Dizon said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News