Alexei Volkov
Hard Plastic Disease (HPD), originally called Pedigree Plastic Disease, is a condition that affects certain plastic dolls, causing them to disintegrate. The cause of HPD is debated, but it is believed to be related to the breakdown of the plastic used in the dolls' construction. This can be due to various factors such as unstable plastics, reactions between plastic and metal components, or poor storage conditions. The first symptom of HPD is typically an unpleasant vinegar or acetone smell, followed by visual signs such as small vertical lines around the nose, roughness around the wrists, loss of colour, and odd pink or red blotches. While there is no permanent cure for HPD, treatments include cleaning the doll with disinfectant or antibacterial cleaners and sealing the inside of the doll with a clear acrylic sealant to prevent oxygen from reaching the bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Hard Plastic Disease (HPD), Pedigree Plastic Disease, Sad Doll Disease, Plastic Doll Disease |
| Cause | Debated, possibly due to unstable plastics, a reaction between plastic and metal joints or eyes, or poor storage conditions |
| Symptoms | Unpleasant smell (vinegar, acetone, cheese, vomit), discolouration (grey), yellow, red spots, misshapen heads, brown tears or ooze |
| Treatment | Wash with disinfectant or antibacterial cleaner, use alkaline substances like baking soda and water, avoid acidic products, thoroughly dry, seal with clear acrylic sealant or matte finish lacquer |
| Prevention | Regular play, avoid sealed display cases, store in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and high humidity |
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What You'll Learn
- Sad Doll Disease is caused by a chemical reaction
- Symptoms include a vinegar smell, discolouration, and tears of reddish-brown liquid
- The disease is contagious to other antique plastic dolls
- Hard plastic disease may be caused by poor storage conditions
- There are treatments to keep the disease at bay and remove the smell
Sad Doll Disease is caused by a chemical reaction
Sad Doll Disease is a condition that affects certain types of hard plastic dolls, predominantly those manufactured during the middle of the 20th century. The disease earned its name due to its contagious nature; once one doll becomes afflicted, others in proximity are likely to follow.
The root cause of Sad Doll Disease is a chemical chain reaction involving the interaction between the plastic of the doll's body and the metal joints, pins, spigots, and fixtures holding the doll together. Specifically, the plastic breaks down over time, producing acetic acid (vinegar) and sulphuric acid, which disperse into the atmosphere around the doll. These acids then attack and corrode the metal fittings inside the doll, causing them to rust and produce red spots and reddish-brown tears.
The production of acetic acid further accelerates the breakdown of the plastic, leading to a vicious cycle that rapidly deteriorates the doll's condition. The thick brown fluids containing decomposition products leak from the joints and eyeballs, and the doll's appearance and structure become misshapen.
The chemical reaction is triggered by traces of contaminants, such as cellulose, acetic acid, and sulphuric acid, that remained in the plastic during the early days of plastic production. These contaminants, especially the acids, begin to dissolve the iron fixings, forming iron salts that catalyse the destruction of the polymer. This process cannot be reversed once it starts, and the affected dolls may eventually need to be discarded.
To prevent the spread of Sad Doll Disease, it is recommended to isolate infected dolls and wash them with soapy water to remove the vinegar. Dolls should then be thoroughly dried to prevent further rusting of the metal parts. Additionally, keeping dolls out of direct sunlight and in well-ventilated areas can help slow down the breakdown process.
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Symptoms include a vinegar smell, discolouration, and tears of reddish-brown liquid
Sad Doll Disease, also known as Hard Plastic Disease or Plastic Doll Disease, is an affliction that affects certain types of hard plastic dolls, predominantly from the middle of the 20th century. The disease causes distinct symptoms, including a vinegar smell, discolouration, and tears of reddish-brown liquid.
The vinegar smell is one of the first indicators of Sad Doll Disease. The odour is caused by the presence of acetic acid, which is produced by the breakdown of the plastic in the doll. This acid has a pungent, vinegar-like scent that can be quite strong and unpleasant. The smell can be mitigated by washing the doll with soapy water and thoroughly drying it, but this may not completely eliminate the odour.
Discolouration is another symptom of Sad Doll Disease. Affected dolls may exhibit yellowing or greying of their plastic bodies. This discolouration is caused by the breakdown of the plastic, which can also lead to shrivelling and misshapen body parts. Small red circles or spots may also appear on the dolls, caused by the acid attacking the metal fittings and causing them to rust.
One of the most distinctive and disturbing symptoms of Sad Doll Disease is the appearance of tears of reddish-brown liquid. This liquid is a thick, viscous fluid containing the products of the decomposition of the plastic and metal fittings. It leaks from the joints and eyeballs of the dolls, causing their condition to rapidly deteriorate. The reddish-brown colour is likely due to the presence of iron salts formed by the reaction between the acid and the metal fittings.
In addition to these symptoms, Sad Doll Disease can also cause other changes in the appearance of the dolls. These may include fading limbs, cracks around the nose, roughening around the wrists, pinkish blotches, or a pink or red dent on the doll's nose. In extreme cases, white crusty patches may form on the surface of the doll.
Sad Doll Disease is infectious and can spread to other dolls made of similar materials. It is important for doll collectors to be aware of the symptoms and take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. While there is no known cure for Sad Doll Disease, treatments such as cleaning and sealing the affected areas can help slow down the deterioration and mask the signs of the disease.
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The disease is contagious to other antique plastic dolls
Hard Plastic Disease (HPD), originally called Pedigree Plastic Disease, is a condition that affects antique plastic dolls, predominantly from the middle of the 20th century. The cause of HPD is debated, but it is believed to be due to the unstable plastics used during that time, a reaction between the plastic and metal joints or eyes, or poor storage conditions such as dampness and high humidity.
The first symptom of HPD is typically a strong, unpleasant odour, often described as smelling like vinegar, acetone, cheese, or vomit. Other early warning signs include small vertical lines around the nose, roughening around the wrists, noticeable loss of colour (especially in the limbs), odd pink or red blotches, and a pink or red groove across the doll's nose.
HPD is contagious to other antique plastic dolls. The disease is spread through vinegar vapours that penetrate neighbouring dolls, dissolving the iron fixings and producing the same alarming results. Collectors are advised to wash their hands after handling a doll with HPD to prevent spreading the disease to other dolls through touch. Additionally, dolls with any signs of HPD should be kept away from other dolls in a collection.
While there is no known permanent cure for HPD, treatments can help slow down the progression of the disease and remove the smell. Collectors suggest cleaning the inside and outside of the affected doll with a disinfectant or antibacterial cleaner, being careful to avoid bleach as it can remove the doll's colour. An alkaline substance, such as a mixture of baking soda and water, can also be used for cleaning, but it should not be scrubbed on the outside of the doll as it is mildly abrasive. It is important to avoid using acidic products like vinegar, as they can worsen the condition. After cleaning, the doll should be thoroughly dried, and a clear acrylic sealant or matte finish lacquer can be applied to the inside to prevent oxygen from reaching the bacteria feeding on the decomposing plastic.
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Hard plastic disease may be caused by poor storage conditions
Hard plastic disease (HPD) is a condition that affects certain plastic dolls, causing them to disintegrate. The cause of HPD is debated, but it is believed that poor storage conditions can play a significant role in its development.
Poor storage conditions that can contribute to HPD include storing dolls in damp, humid, or warm and moist environments. High humidity is particularly detrimental, as it can accelerate the breakdown of plastic. Collectors should avoid keeping their dolls in places like damp lofts or wrapping them in plastic bags, as these environments can promote the growth of bacteria and the deterioration of plastic.
The first indication of HPD is often an unpleasant smell, such as vinegar or acetone. This odour is caused by the production of acetic acid due to the breakdown of plastic. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may appear, including small vertical lines around the nose, roughness around the wrists, loss of colour, pink or red blotches, and the formation of an extreme point on the head.
To prevent HPD, collectors should ensure proper storage conditions for their dolls. Dolls should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Additionally, regular handling and play can help prevent the disease, as it allows the dolls to breathe and reduces the risk of sealed conditions that may contribute to the development of HPD.
While there is no known cure for HPD, treatments can help slow down the progression and manage the symptoms. Cleaning the inside and outside of the affected doll with disinfectant or antibacterial cleaners can reduce the presence of bacteria. It is important to avoid using acidic products like vinegar, as they can exacerbate the problem. After cleaning, the doll should be thoroughly dried and sealed with a clear acrylic sealant or matte finish lacquer to prevent oxygen from reaching the bacteria.
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There are treatments to keep the disease at bay and remove the smell
Hard Plastic Doll Disease, also known as Pedigree Plastic Disease, is caused by the breakdown of the plastic that the dolls are made of. This produces acetic acid, which disperses into the atmosphere around the doll and causes a pungent smell. The disease is often first noticed due to this smell, which is usually described as a vinegar or acetone smell, but has also been likened to cheese or vomit.
After cleaning the doll and lessening the smell, a clear acrylic sealant or a matte finish lacquer can be used on the inside of the doll. This will hopefully prevent oxygen from reaching the bacteria that feed on the decomposing plastic. If the doll continues to break down and the smell returns, or the brown ooze phase appears, the doll will likely have to be thrown away, as breathing in the odour may be detrimental to one's health.
It is important to note that there are no known products that permanently reverse this disease. The best way to help prevent the disease is to keep the doll out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated place.
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Frequently asked questions
The first symptom of Hard Plastic Disease is usually a strong vinegar or acetone smell. Other warning signs can be small vertical lines around the nose, roughening around the wrists, noticeable loss of colour, odd pink or red blotches, or the head forming an extreme point. Dolls with this disease often turn grey.
The cause is debated. It could be because of the unstable plastics used at the time of manufacture. It could also be caused by a reaction between the plastic and metal joints or eyes. Some also think it's from storing the dolls in damp places, high humidity, or warm, moist conditions.
The best way to help prevent this process from beginning is to keep your doll out of direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated place. It is also recommended to play with the doll often, rather than keeping it in a sealed display case.
Wash the doll with soapy water to get rid of the vinegar smell. Then, thoroughly dry the doll to stop the iron from rusting. You can also use disinfectant or antibacterial cleaner on the inside and outside of the doll.
