Concerns over 'potentially lethal' poisonous dolls

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Dolls containing a poisonous chemical which can cause cancer, deformities in unborn babies and infertility in men have been found on sale in shops in the West Midlands.

Sandwell Trading Standards has received six complaints about the dolls which are imported from China. One complaint was from a mother who said her child became ill after playing with one of the dolls.

There are several designs of dolls affected, such as crawling dolls with a polka dot dress, baby dolls with a picture of an animals head on the dress and 'fruit-head' dolls, all are subject to a Europe-wide product recall.

The potentially lethal chemical contained in the dolls is phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics.

Most of the dolls do not have a CE marking, used to prove the toy meets European safety regulations.

Councillor Ian Jones said the dolls were "potentially lethal for children" and urges anyone who has purchased a doll to return them immediately for a refund.