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Children’s toys contain alarmingly high levels of toxic metals, according to a new study from Brazil.
Researchers from two Brazilian universities analyzed plastic children’s toys sold in Brazil, including locally produced and imported products, in the most extensive investigation to date into chemical contamination of toys.
The most concerning finding was linked to the metal barium, which was discovered at concentrations 15 times higher than the national safe limit.
Exposure to barium is linked to serious heart and nervous-system issues, including paralysis.
Science Daily reports, “Elevated amounts of lead, chromium, and antimony were also detected. Lead, which is associated with irreversible neurological harm, memory problems, and reduced IQ in children, exceeded the limit in 32.9% of the samples, with some measurements reaching nearly four times the accepted threshold. Antimony, which can trigger gastrointestinal problems, and chromium, a known carcinogen, were present above acceptable levels in 24.3% and 20% of the toys, respectively.”
The study, which used plasma mass spectrometry to detect contaminants, revealed the presence of 21 toxic elements: silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cerium (Ce), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lanthanum (La), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn).
“These data reveal a worrying scenario of multiple contamination and lack of control. So much so that in the study we suggest stricter enforcement measures, such as regular laboratory analyses, product traceability, and more demanding certifications, especially for imported items,” said one of the study’s lead authors.
The researchers also assessed the extraction rates of these chemicals: the quantities that were likely to leech out of them during normal play, including when children put them in their mouths. Rates ranged from 0.11% to 7.33%, which shows that only a small fraction of the chemicals are likely to pass from the toys into children.
However, health concerns are still warranted, given the high concentrations of many toxic elements found in the toys and the fact that children play with plastic toys for many hours a day over periods of months or even years, meaning long-term repeated exposure.
The researchers believe the contaminants enter into the products during the manufacturing process, including the application of paint. Correlations between elements suggest, in some cases, a common origin.
The researchers had previously investigated the presence of toxic chemicals in toys known as endocrine-disruptors, which alter natural hormone levels, with a wide variety of negative effects, from fertility issues to metabolic issues and cancer.
