Alexei Volkov
Plastic toys are often made from a variety of plastic materials, including polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC, in particular, is a popular choice for creating soft and elastic toys, especially dolls, as it can be softened with the addition of plasticizers like phthalates. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks of phthalates, leading some European countries and toy companies to ban or discontinue their use in children's toys. Alternatives such as Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) coatings are sought after for their soft tactile feel, durability, and safety, although they may degrade over time. Other plastics like polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate are also used in toys, but their safety depends on factors such as the presence of toxic ingredients, exposure time, and temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals used in plastic toys | Phthalates, Cadmium, Lead, BPA, PVC |
| Health risks | Hormonal imbalance, cancer, kidney damage, hearing loss, ADHD, decreased IQ |
| Environmental impact | Greenhouse gas emissions, microplastics in waterways and food chain, household waste |
| Alternative materials | Wood, non-toxic paints and treatments |
| Ways to reduce health and environmental risks | Reduce plastic toys in children's rooms, avoid impulse purchases, research toy materials |
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What You'll Learn
- Phthalates: Plastic toys' soft, squishy feel comes from phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors
- PVC plastics: PVC is the most toxic plastic, and nearly every soft plastic toy is made with it
- Health risks: Toys with chemicals can be harmful to children's health, especially if put in their mouths
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are released quickly and can be harmful in closed environments
- Cadmium: A plastic stabilizer and known carcinogen that can cause brain damage and kidney damage
Phthalates: Plastic toys' soft, squishy feel comes from phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors
Plastic toys have a soft, squishy feel due to the presence of phthalates, which are synthetic chemicals that make plastic flexible. Phthalates are commonly used in the production of plastic toys to give them a softer texture, making them more appealing to children. However, the use of phthalates in children's products has come under scrutiny due to health concerns.
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body's hormone system. Studies have linked prenatal and early childhood exposure to phthalates with various health issues, including fertility problems, obesity, asthma, neurological problems, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. Ingesting or being exposed to phthalates, especially during critical stages of development, can be potentially harmful, particularly for growing children.
In recognition of these health risks, several countries have taken steps to regulate the use of phthalates in children's products. In 2008, the United States passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which permanently banned certain types of phthalates (BBP, DBP, and DEHP) from toys and childcare products. Other types of phthalates were temporarily banned until their safety could be assessed by a scientific board. This legislation was a response to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential dangers of phthalates.
Despite these bans, children and adults in the US and other countries are still exposed to phthalates in a wide range of products beyond toys. Phthalates can be found in personal care items such as shampoo, soap, and lotions, as well as in food packaging, vinyl flooring, and medical products. The pervasive presence of phthalates in everyday items underscores the importance of ongoing research and regulation to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
To address the risks associated with phthalates, some organizations have emerged to test and certify products as phthalate-free. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the potential dangers of phthalates and are demanding products that are safe for their families. As a result, some companies have started to remove phthalates from their products, and consumers can now find items labeled as "BPA-free" or "phthalate-free." These steps toward reducing phthalate exposure demonstrate a collective effort to prioritize health and safety, particularly for children who are most vulnerable to the potential harms of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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PVC plastics: PVC is the most toxic plastic, and nearly every soft plastic toy is made with it
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer that can be manufactured with either rigid or flexible characteristics. It is the third-largest synthetic plastic polymer in terms of production volume. When plasticizers like phthalates are added, PVC becomes softer and more elastic, making it a popular choice for crafting dolls and toys.
PVC is considered toxic and dangerous, earning it the moniker "poison plastic". It is notorious for off-gassing, giving off a plasticky smell. A 2017 German study found three toxic chemical compounds in PVC armbands for children, which the children could absorb simply by smelling the armbands. PVC is also known to be toxic when it leaches into the natural environment, causing harm to amphibians and other aquatic species.
PVC contains dangerous toxins such as DEHP, BPA, and phthalates. Phthalates are plasticizers that can adversely affect health and harm the reproductive system. Exposure to these harmful substances, with potential carcinogenic effects, negatively impacts the liver and kidneys.
Regulatory efforts have been made to reduce children's exposure to phthalates in PVC toys. In 2017, the United States' Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture, import, or sale of children's toys containing more than 0.1% of certain phthalates. Similarly, the European Union has banned six phthalates in children's toys, and Canada has restricted specific phthalates.
When choosing toys, it is recommended to avoid PVC and opt for toys made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or silicone, which are safer for children and the environment.
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Health risks: Toys with chemicals can be harmful to children's health, especially if put in their mouths
Plastic toys are ubiquitous in children's playrooms, but they can also be a source of concern for parents and caregivers. While plastic toys are convenient and widely available, they can pose potential health risks due to the chemicals they contain. These chemicals are added to give plastic toys their desired characteristics, such as hardness, elasticity, bright colours, and fragrances. However, these same chemicals can become a hazard if the toys are mouthed by young children.
One of the primary health concerns associated with plastic toys is the presence of toxic additives. These additives, including phthalates, bisphenols, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can leach from the plastic into the surrounding environment and the children's mouths. Phthalates and bisphenols, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), are known endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormone regulation in the body. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a range of health issues, including reproductive harm, neurodevelopmental issues, reduced fertility, and even cancer.
Another concern is the presence of heavy metals in plastic toys. Lead-based paint, for example, is commonly used in plastic toys and can be toxic to the body, leading to kidney damage if ingested. Additionally, plastic toys can contain flame retardants, which have been linked to attention deficits and poor social competence in children. These chemicals are of particular concern for infants and young children, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of chemical exposure during their critical developmental stages.
To address these concerns, some organizations, such as Earthjustice, are advocating for safer alternatives. Wooden toys, for instance, are promoted as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option that does not expose children to the same level of chemical hazards. Wooden toys are free from toxic substances, do not emit greenhouse gases during production, and can last for generations, reducing their environmental impact. While it may not be feasible to eliminate plastic toys entirely, parents can make informed choices by opting for sustainable toys made from natural materials, thus minimizing their children's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
It is worth noting that not all plastic toys are created equal, and some may pose less risk than others. However, due to the widespread use of plastic products, it is challenging to avoid exposure entirely. By being aware of the potential risks and advocating for stricter regulations, parents can make informed choices to protect their children's health and well-being while still enjoying the convenience and accessibility that plastic toys offer.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are released quickly and can be harmful in closed environments
Plastic toys have evolved over time, with modern toys often made from plastic, in contrast to toys of the past, which were made from materials such as wood and ceramic. While plastic toys are beloved by children, they can also be harmful. The soft feel of plastic toys is often achieved through the use of chemicals such as phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors that can affect the body's hormonal balance and have been linked to cancer.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the main types of chemicals of concern in plastic toys. These compounds are released quickly, especially when a toy is new and has that distinctive plastic smell. It is recommended that children only play with new toys for short periods initially and that the toys are removed to a well-ventilated area when not in use. This is because VOCs can be harmful in closed environments, with the potential to cause air pollution and negatively impact a child's health.
The problem with VOCs is that they are released from plastic toys over their entire lifetime, not just when they are new. While the initial strong smell may fade over time, the release of VOCs continues, and these chemicals can accumulate in closed environments, such as a child's bedroom. This prolonged exposure can pose a risk to a child's health, especially considering their developing bodies and close contact with toys, including mouthing behaviours.
To mitigate the risks associated with VOCs, it is advisable to minimise the number of plastic toys in a child's space. Storing unused toys in a separate area, such as a garage, can help reduce exposure. Additionally, parents can opt for toys made from alternative materials, such as wood, or choose eco-responsible toy brands that use non-toxic paints and finishes. By taking these steps, parents can create a safer and healthier environment for their children while still allowing them to enjoy their toys.
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Cadmium: A plastic stabilizer and known carcinogen that can cause brain damage and kidney damage
Plastic toys constitute nearly 50% of the toy market. The softness of plastic toys is often due to the addition of plasticizers like phthalates, which make the plastic more elastic and soft to the touch.
One of the chemicals used to stabilize plastic, particularly PVC, is cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogen and can cause brain and kidney damage. It is also associated with a range of other health problems. Cadmium was used as a stabilizer in the form of a stearate or laurate, often combined with a similar barium ester and a lead stabilizer. This combination provided excellent heat stability and weatherability to PVC compounds.
Cadmium stabilizers were commonly used in semi-rigid and flexible foil products, such as roofing membranes, and in rigid applications like window profiles. However, due to health and environmental concerns, there has been a push to discontinue the use of cadmium stabilizers. The Voluntary Agreement of the PVC Industry, signed in 2000, resulted in the discontinuation of cadmium stabilizers by its members from 2001 onward.
While some regulations still allow the use of cadmium stabilizers in specific applications, the industry is actively seeking alternatives. The potential health hazards of cadmium-containing plastics are well-recognized, and no stabilizer containing cadmium has ever been used in toys or food contact applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic toys can feel soft due to the addition of plasticizers like phthalates to the base polymer, which makes them softer and more elastic.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common plastic that can be made softer with the addition of phthalates. Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is another popular choice for soft toys as it has a tactile feel similar to natural rubber.
Yes, there are concerns about the potential health risks of phthalates in plastic toys. Some European countries have banned the use of phthalates in children's toys due to the risk of these chemicals being absorbed by the human body.
Yes, some toy companies have replaced PVC with ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) in their products. Polycarbonate, used in clear Lego pieces, is another alternative that is considered safe when free of bisphenol A (BPA).
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is a type of plastic that combines the characteristics of thermoplastics and elastomers, resulting in a material that is elastic at room temperature and more plastic when heated. TPE is generally considered safe for toys as it is free from harmful substances and durable enough to withstand daily use.
