Environment group Greenpeace has warned consumers of the possible dangers pose by children's toys made in China because of the high percentage of a harmful chemical found in them.

Children's toys sold in China and Hong Kong are dangerous because of the chemicals used in their manufacturing that should be banned, environment group Greenpeace said.

Greenpeace said the independent laboratory findings revealed some phthalates, which are classified toxic chemicals were used to soften plastic for the toys. The said chemicals, which can cause hormone malfunctions and reproductive problems, were found in 21 out of 30 toy samples purchased in four Chinese cities.

The European Union and the United States have banned six types of phthalates in children's products and toys, according to the group.

"Governments in the EU and North America have all recognised the serious health concerns of phthalates for children, yet in China and Hong Kong, kids are unprotected from these harmful toxins," said Greenpeace campaigner Vivian Yau.

"Children are one of the most vulnerable groups to hormone disruptors - they like to put things in their mouths, and their reproductive, immune and endocrine systems are still developing," she added in a statement.