Scientists have been concerned about the potential health risks of chemicals used in plastic toys, but new research reveals just how widespread the risk of harm to children is.
In an international study, researchers assessed the chemical composition of toys and estimated levels of human exposure to the substances, ultimately finding more than 100 “Chemicals of Concern” in plastic toy products. could pose a minimal health risk to children.
“Out of 419 chemicals found in hard, soft and foam plastic materials used in children’s toys, we identified 126 substances that could harm children’s health either through cancer or non-cancer effects. cancers, including 31 plasticizers, 18 flame retardants, and 8 perfumes. , “explains quantitative sustainability researcher Peter Fantke of the Danish Technical University (DTU).
According to the researchers, while laws in many countries regulate the use of certain potentially toxic chemicals in plastic toys, there is no consistent approach internationally, and there is no conventional protections do not adequately prohibit the large amount of potentially harmful substances.
“Existing regulations usually focus on specific chemicals (eg phthalates, named flame retardants, and metals), as long as they do not currently cover the wide range of chemicals found in plastic toys, “the team, led by first author and PhD student Nicolò Aurisano, wrote in the study.
“In addition, some toxic and prohibited additives are still available in plastic toys also on regulated markets, for example in the event of recycling of contaminated plastics, ignorant of manufacturers, or without regulations in the country results. “
To clarify the extent of the problem, the researchers compiled a list of the chemicals in toy products – something that is not easily published by product manufacturers, but has nonetheless been studied in previous studies by scientists.
Combining chemical data from 25 peer-reviewed studies – and assessing the risk of exposure to substances based on how certain toys are handled – the Fantke team built their list of chemicals of concern, on the risk prioritization ranking.
“We have combined the reported chemical content into toy products with the properties and patterns of toy use, such as how long a child usually plays with a toy, regardless of whether it is -into the mouth, and how many toys are found in each child’s home. , “Aurisano says.
“We used this information to estimate exposure using high-throughput high-equilibrium models, and compared exposure doses with doses where there is no undue risk to children.”
Of the 126 disturbing chemicals identified in the study, 27 substances – including several phthalates, flame retardants, and plasticizers – are already commonly administered (but still turned up in the toys proven).
But the researchers also identified 17 substances that they describe as annoying chemicals that do not appear in other priority lists for plastic toys, but nonetheless potentially dangerous to health.
Some of these substances are called ‘difficult substitutions’: chemicals that begin to be used as alternatives to known, but dangerous, harmful chemicals.
Other worrying chemicals identified in the study included potentially harmful substances, but which appeared within appropriate levels, or could not be quantified in terms of risk exposure for various reasons.
Moving forward, the researchers say that a set of thresholds known as the ‘maximum acceptable chemical content’ could be used to establish limits on the amount of harmful chemicals inside toys, which closing the gaps between the various regulatory systems that exist today.
“Because the same chemicals are found in different concentrations across toy products, we have estimated the ‘maximum acceptable chemical content’ for all reported substances found. in plastic toys, “Fantke says.
“Information like this will allow decision makers to develop indications for different chemicals in different applications, but will help toy companies to assess the amount of chemicals used for a particular activity against these criteria. . “
However, in order for decision makers to grasp this type of material, the closest decisions in this context – parents – can still work on the results. reported here.
The simplest thing to do: stop children around with plastic toys.
According to the researchers, children in western countries collect 18.3 kilograms (40 lbs) of plastic toy products each year – and we are only just beginning to find out what is in it. most of that.
“Reducing the amount of new toys introduced into our homes each year is an effective and practical way to reduce the exposure to priority chemicals present in plastic toys,” the researchers write.
“This is also supported by a recent study showing that the quality of children’s play has a negative impact on the abundance of toys, and that fewer toys could help children focus better and play in a more creative way. “
The results are reported in International Environment.