Omar Khalid
Plastic toys, particularly those manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s, have been found to contain toxic levels of lead. Lead is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe harm to children, including speech delays and an increased risk of certain cancers. While lead paint was banned in the US in 1978, many older toys may still contain dangerous levels of lead. Additionally, toys manufactured overseas may also contain lead due to less stringent safety standards. As a result, parents are advised to be cautious when purchasing plastic toys and to avoid those made with PVC plastic or imported from countries with less stringent regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic toys containing lead | Lead has been found in plastic toys, especially those made in the 1970s and 1980s. |
| Impact on children | Lead poisoning can cause speech delays and other health issues in children. |
| Hazardous levels | Children's products should not contain more than 90 ppm of lead. Some plastic toys have been found to contain up to 70 times the safe limit. |
| Identification | Toys with hazardous levels of lead may not always be recalled. Home testing kits are available but may be unreliable. Certified labs can provide accurate testing. |
| Prevention | Avoid toys made before 1978, imported toys, and toys with flaking paint. Choose toys manufactured in the US, Canada, or the EU. |
| Alternatives | Opt for toys made from FSC-certified wood, natural fabric, or plastics #1, 2, 4, and 5. |
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What You'll Learn
Lead poisoning symptoms and treatment
Plastic toys, particularly those made of vinyl or PVC, may contain lead. Lead is sometimes found in toys produced outside the US, Canada, or the EU, as lead is less well-regulated in many developing countries. Lead is also found in other products such as cosmetics, traditional medicines, and Mexican candies.
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
Lead poisoning can be hard to detect, and signs and symptoms may not appear until dangerous amounts of lead have accumulated in the body. Children are primarily at risk, as they are more likely to be exposed to lead than older children and adults. Most lead poisoning in children results from eating chips of deteriorating lead-based paint, which was banned in the US in 1978. However, lead paint still exists in 25% of US homes with kids under age 6. Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures, and copper pipes soldered with lead can also release lead particles into tap water. Other sources of lead exposure include soil near highways and in some urban settings, household dust, and imported vinyl products such as mini-blinds made before 1997, vinyl bibs, and backpacks.
Symptoms of lead exposure may occur slowly and are similar to those of other illnesses, so lead poisoning may be overlooked. In children, signs and symptoms of lead poisoning may include speech delays and difficulty keeping up with peers. In adults, lead poisoning may cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system. Very high lead levels can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
Lead Poisoning Treatment
Treatment for lead poisoning begins with removing the source of lead exposure. If lead exposure is detected early, medication can be administered to bring down lead levels and prevent further damage. Additionally, increasing the intake of iron, calcium, vegetables, and fruits can help lower blood lead levels.
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How to test plastic toys for lead
Lead is a dangerous toxin that can be found in some plastic toys. It is used to stabilise plastic molecules from heat and make the plastic more flexible. While lead in paint was banned in 1978, it is still not banned in plastics, and children can be exposed to lead by putting contaminated toys in their mouths or ingesting lead dust that has formed when plastic is exposed to sunlight, air, and detergents.
If you are concerned about lead exposure, the first step is to remove the toy from your child. You should then decide on the best course of action to test for lead exposure. The only accurate way to test a toy for lead is by submitting a sample to a certified laboratory. However, this can be costly and time-consuming. Do-it-yourself home-testing kits are available at local hardware stores, but these are considered unreliable as they only detect surface lead and cannot identify lead embedded below the surface of a toy.
If you are concerned about your child's exposure to lead, you can have them undergo a blood test to determine their lead levels. Blood testing is the only reliable way to determine whether your child has been poisoned, and it can be quick and inexpensive. If your child's blood lead level is higher than 1 mcg/dL, you should consult a doctor or health official to determine the cause and remove the source of exposure.
To avoid lead exposure, it is recommended to avoid toys made of PVC plastic, as well as imported toys, toys with flaking paint, and toys purchased from vending machines or flea markets. It is also important to check for recalled toys and to be cautious with vintage or antique toys, as they may contain lead-based paint or higher lead levels.
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Plastic toys from the 70s and 80s
Many plastic toys from the 1970s and 1980s have been found to contain hazardous levels of lead. A study using a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to analyse over 100 plastic toys from this period found that 67% contained lead or cadmium, often exceeding current safety limits. Another source states that one in four toys from this period contained more than ten times the current safety limits for lead, with the highest concentrations found in yellow toy parts.
The potential dangers of vintage plastic toys are well-documented, with researchers highlighting the risks of toxic heavy metal exposure, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to the effects of lead. The developing brains and bodies of infants and young children are especially susceptible to lead exposure as they absorb and retain lead more efficiently than adults.
Some parents have expressed concern about their children playing with older toys passed down from previous generations, especially as the plastic may have degraded over time, releasing small particles and toxic metals. While it may seem like a touching gesture to pass on beloved toys to the next generation, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
If you are unsure whether a vintage toy contains hazardous levels of lead, you can refer to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which provides information on recalled products. Additionally, only a certified lab can accurately test for the presence and levels of lead in toys.
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Lead in modern plastic toys
Research has found that one in four vintage plastic toys contains more than ten times the current safety limits for lead. Yellow toy parts were found to have the highest concentrations, with some containing up to 70 times the current limit. This is particularly concerning as vintage toys are still in use, and children are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead exposure. The developing brains and bodies of young children absorb and retain lead more efficiently than adults, leading to severe health risks.
Modern plastic toys are not exempt from this issue. While lead paint may no longer be used, other sources of lead in toys include imported toys, particularly from developing countries where regulations may be less stringent. A 2006 study found that 70% of cheap toy jewellery samples contained illegal levels of lead, and only three were subsequently recalled. Additionally, certain types of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), have been found to contain lead and other toxic chemicals. IKEA is a notable example of a retailer that has phased out PVC from its products.
To protect children from lead exposure, parents and caregivers should take precautions when selecting toys. It is recommended to choose toys manufactured in the US, Canada, or the EU, and to avoid imported toys with flaking paint. Parents can also refer to recall lists, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, to identify and discard potentially hazardous toys. However, it is important to recognise that not all dangerous toys are recalled, and home testing kits for lead may not always be reliable.
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Other toxins in plastic toys
Plastic toys can contain many toxins that are harmful to children's health. One of the most common toxins is lead, which can be found in paint used on toys or in the vinyl material of some toys. Lead poisoning can cause severe and permanent damage to a child's development, including speech delays and learning difficulties.
Beyond lead, there are several other toxins commonly found in plastic toys that parents should be aware of:
Bisphenol-A (BPA)
Bisphenol-A is a chemical used in the manufacturing of rigid, hard plastics. It is often used in baby bottles, "sippy" cups, sports equipment, baby toys, and pacifiers. Bisphenol-A is associated with adverse effects on the endocrine system and the reproductive system. It has been linked to cell damage in breasts, uteruses, and prostates, and an increased risk of developmental disorders such as ADHD and nervous system problems. Bisphenol-A is also persistent in the environment and our bodies, making it a long-lasting concern.
Phthalates
Phthalates are plasticizers used in PVC plastics to make them flexible. They are commonly found in children's products such as vinyl bibs, teethers, and polymer clays. Phthalates are identified as hormone disruptors and are linked to liver and kidney lesions and a higher risk of certain cancers. They are also associated with exacerbating asthma and allergies in children.
Dioxins
Dioxins are dangerous chemicals created during the production, recycling, and incineration of PVC plastics. They are considered some of the most toxic poisons known to humans, impacting our neurological, reproductive, developmental, and hormonal systems. Dioxins are persistent in the environment and can be found in our food and breastmilk, leading to long-term exposure.
Other Chemicals
In addition to the above, a scientific study identified 126 chemicals of concern (CoCs) in plastic toys, with 31 of them having high hazard quotients and posing a significant child cancer risk. These chemicals are used as plasticizers in soft plastic toys, and their presence underscores the need for more refined investigations and the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
To minimize the risk of exposure to toxins, parents are advised to choose toys made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, or cardboard. When buying plastic toys, opt for those made from FSC-certified wood, natural fabric, or plastics numbered 1, 2, 4, and 5. Avoid toys with vinyl or PVC, especially if they are not properly labeled, as these may contain harmful toxins.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic toys manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s have been found to contain lead. A study found that one in four toys from this period contained more than 10 times the current safety limits for lead.
Most plastic toys do not carry clear information about the type of plastic used. However, some PVC toys may carry a #3 or the word "vinyl". You can also check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to see if they have issued a recall for a particular toy.
Lead poisoning can cause serious health issues, including speech delays and learning difficulties. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure as their developing brains and bodies absorb and retain lead more efficiently than adults.
If you suspect a plastic toy contains lead, you should remove it from your child's access immediately. You can also consider having the toy tested by an independent environmental testing company to confirm the presence of lead.
