The Dangers of Old Plastic Toys for Children

A study in the UK shows that children playing with old used plastic toys may be exposed to hazardous chemicals such as lead and cadmium, which are linked to growth problems and organ damage. According to Reuters, researchers tested 200 second-hand plastic toys from homes, nurseries, and charity shops. The toys included cars, trains, action figures, puzzles, and small plastic game pieces that were small enough for young children to chew on. They found high concentrations of hazardous chemical elements such as antimony, barium, bromine, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium in many building blocks, dolls, and ornaments that were typically yellow, red, or black. These chemicals are dangerous even in small amounts if children are in contact with them for extended periods, especially if they chew on them. Andrew Turner, an environmental health researcher at the University of Plymouth, stated, 'The findings indicate a relatively high concentration of chemicals that have long been restricted or banned, including cadmium sulfoselenide pigments and lead chromate.' Turner also noted in an email that the study provides evidence of significant residues of flame retardants in some colorless toys, likely resulting from the recycling of electronic waste. Researchers used a method known as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to examine the chemical content of the toys, a process commonly used by scientists to determine chemicals in rocks, minerals, sediments, and liquids. They also conducted further tests by placing the toys in hydrochloric acid solution to simulate stomach conditions. Under these conditions, several toys released amounts of bromine, cadmium, or lead that exceeded the safety limits set by toy safety regulations in Europe. Young children's health is particularly vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals due to their faster metabolism compared to adults and their rapidly growing organs and tissues. Environmental science and technology scientists point out that while regulations in Europe and other regions have banned or restricted the use of chemicals in toys, children may still be at risk by playing with items found from previous generations that reach them through yards and second-hand shops. The study showed that parents cannot determine the danger of a toy just by looking at it. For example, red and yellow Lego bricks from the 1970s looked similar to bricks from the 1990s, but the older ones contained cadmium that was absent in the newer ones. This study was not a controlled experiment to prove whether exposure to specific chemicals could lead to health problems. Researchers also did not systematically compare the chemical content of older and newer toys. Dr. Luz Claudio, an environmental health researcher at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, stated that the findings of this research indicate that parents should be cautious about plastic toys, as they may contain harmful chemicals that can easily enter a child's body when chewed. Claudio, who did not participate in the study, said via email, 'Strict regulations limiting the use of chemicals in toys do not apply retroactively to older toys.' Claudio recommended that parents use alternatives to plastic whenever possible, whether fabric toys or books for play or frozen fruits covered with coarse cotton fabric that are meant for teething. Claudio said, 'As a mother, I understand that our children live in a plastic world and are surrounded by potentially hazardous chemicals. I believe that if parents are aware of these issues, they will find alternatives to protect their children.'