Plastic toys are a ubiquitous part of childhood, yet they are increasingly a source of concern for parents worried about chemical safety. Children’s frequent interaction with these materials, particularly through mouthing, skin contact, and exposure to household dust, creates potential pathways for chemical absorption. Understanding the chemical composition of these items is the first step in mitigating potential health risks and understanding toy safety.
Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Toys
Many plastic toys contain chemical additives included to achieve specific physical properties, such as flexibility or color. Among the most common problematic compounds are phthalates, a class of chemicals used primarily to soften Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic. These plasticizers transform rigid PVC into the pliable material found in soft toys, bath books, and certain teethers. Since phthalates do not chemically bond to the plastic polymer, they can leach out of the material over time and with use.
Another compound of concern is Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used to manufacture hard, clear polycarbonate plastic. BPA gives these plastics their shatter-resistant quality, often found in certain types of hard plastic toys. Like phthalates, BPA can migrate out of the plastic, especially when the material is heated or subjected to wear and tear.
Heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, are sometimes incorporated into plastic toys, primarily for coloration. These elements are used as pigments to achieve bright, vibrant colors like yellow, orange, and red. Historically, lead and cadmium compounds were also included as stabilizers in some PVC plastics to prevent degradation during manufacturing. Although regulations have tightened, these metals can still be present, posing a risk if released into a child’s environment.
Health Effects of Toxic Exposure
The health concern related to these chemicals is their function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body’s hormonal system by mimicking or suppressing natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This disruption is concerning for children, whose organs and systems are undergoing rapid development. Exposure during early developmental windows can lead to long-term effects.
Phthalate exposure has been linked to anti-androgenic effects, adversely impacting male reproductive development. Studies suggest associations between phthalates and changes in genital development and testicular function. Exposure has also been connected to an increased risk of allergies and may influence the timing of pubertal development or insulin resistance in adolescents.
BPA acts as a hormone disruptor and has been associated with developmental and neurological effects. Research suggests a connection between BPA exposure and changes in behavior, including increased aggression and hyperactivity in children. It has also been linked to potential reproductive abnormalities and increased body weight.
Heavy metals present distinct neurological and organ-specific risks. Lead is widely recognized as a neurotoxin that impairs brain development, and there is no accepted safe level of exposure for children. Cadmium is also known to impact brain development and can cause kidney damage. Ingesting these elements, often by chewing on painted or worn plastic toys, is a common pathway for exposure.
Regulations Governing Toy Safety
Governmental oversight protects consumers by restricting the use of hazardous substances in children’s products. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This legislation makes compliance with the ASTM F963 toy safety standard mandatory for manufacturers and importers. The law requires toys intended for children 12 years of age or younger to undergo testing by CPSC-approved third-party laboratories.
The CPSIA sets strict limits on chemicals found in toys and childcare articles. For lead, the total content in any accessible component part cannot exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Lead in paint or surface coatings is further restricted to a maximum of 90 ppm. These mandatory limits were established following significant recalls related to lead contamination in toys.
Federal regulations also prohibit the use of several regulated phthalates in children’s toys. The concentration of any regulated phthalate cannot exceed 0.1 percent (1000 ppm) in any accessible part. Manufacturers must certify their products comply with these chemical limits before they can be sold.
Selecting Safer Toys and Materials
Parents can take proactive steps to reduce their children’s exposure by focusing on toy material composition.
Identifying Safer Plastics
When selecting plastic toys, check the recycling code usually stamped on the product. Plastics labeled with codes #2 (High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE) and #5 (Polypropylene, or PP) are generally considered safer options. These materials are recognized for their low risk of chemical leaching.
It is advisable to minimize exposure to plastics marked with code #3 (PVC) and code #7 (Miscellaneous). Code #3 is the plastic most likely to contain phthalates, and code #7 often includes polycarbonate, which is made using BPA. Choosing toys labeled “BPA-free” or “Phthalate-free” can help reduce exposure to those specific compounds. However, these labels do not guarantee the absence of all other potentially concerning plastic additives.
Alternatives and Maintenance
Material alternatives offer naturally safer options for playtime, eliminating the need for chemical plasticizers or stabilizers. Excellent choices include toys made from untreated wood, organic cotton fabric, and natural rubber.
Parents should maintain toys by regularly cleaning them, as washing can reduce the amount of chemicals leaching from the surface. Discarding old plastic toys that show signs of cracking, chipping, or degradation is prudent, since damaged surfaces increase the rate at which chemicals can escape the material.