A recent study published in Environmental Sciences Europe on October 14, 2024, found significant levels of hazardous flame-retardant chemicals in children’s plastic toys sold in European markets. The research, conducted among others by AURORA scientists Petra Pribylova and Petr Kukucka from Masaryk University, tested for the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in low-cost plastic toys sold in France. PBDEs are a class of flame retardants known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
The study screened 84 plastic toys for bromine, an indicator of potential PBDE presence, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Eleven toys with bromine concentrations exceeding 500 µg/g were further analyzed through Gas Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (GC-HRMS). All eleven toys tested contained PBDEs, with a median total concentration for 10 PBDEs of 8.61 mg/g. The most abundant PBDE compound, BDE-209, was detected at a median concentration of 4.40 mg/g. Notably, eight of the toys contained PBDEs at levels 6 to 47 times higher than the EU’s Low POP Content Limit (LPCL) of 500 µg/g, as outlined in Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the study found that Unintentional Trace Contaminant (UTC) limits of 10 µg/g for Deca-BDE were exceeded by 12-800 times in several toys.
“The presence of such levels of PBDEs may pose significant risks to children upon exposure,” the authors state, adding that the occurrence of non-compliant toys in the EU market could stem from gaps in regulations, challenges in legislation for recycled plastics, and the growing complexities of global supply chains. The authors emphasize that “more actions are needed to address gaps in cross-border enforcement, and stricter sanctions are required for toy manufacturers who fail to adhere to regulations and safety standards.”
Reference
Olisah C., et al. (2024) “Extremely high levels of PDBEs in children’s toys from European markets: Causes and implications for the circular economy.” Environmental Sciences Europe. DOI: 10.1186/s12302-024-00999-2
