Independent testing revealed that plastic equipment contained a group of chemicals known as phthalates.
The ECB has contacted parents of children enrolled in its All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket programmes, requesting that they dispose of plastic equipment previously provided due to concerns about the levels of chemicals present.
Independent testing confirmed that phthalates - a group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible - were present in the balls used in both programmes, as well as in the Dynamos batting tee and PVC promotional banners provided to the clubs, and should no longer be used.
Although there was no immediate risk to participants using the balls, the ECB did not issue a recall notice as this was not required by the regulatory authorities. The governing body of cricket in England and Wales did take action "out of an abundance of caution".
The ECB's two youth programmes, All Stars and Dynamos, were launched in 2017 to increase participation levels. All Stars is aimed at 5-8 year-olds, while Dynamos is aimed at 8-11 year-olds. As a result of the investigation, the ECB has reduced the price of All-Stars from £40 to £30 for this year, and the introductory equipment is no longer included in the package.
Until new supplies of phthalate-free balls arrive, clubs running the national programmes have been advised to use tennis balls. Rackets and stumps previously issued by the ECB are not affected by this guidance.
The All Stars and Dynamos programmes have already been postponed for this summer. This is due to delays in the supply of equipment.