France and Belgium have ordered a recall of Chinese-made children’s foam puzzle mats due to high levels of toxins in the products, state media reported. France announced a three-month ban on sales of the foam mats, and Belgium has taken all foam puzzle mats from store shelves due to a health department report claiming that they emit the carcinogenic chemical formamide. Formamide is used in the mats’ production process, but high exposure to the chemical can cause harm when it gets in contact with the skin and is particularly dangerous to infants. China this year recorded 46 types of toys that presented safety risks.
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