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Many plastic toys and dress-up clothes contain too high levels of dangerous substances. This is shown by a survey that the Chemicals Inspectorate has carried out. It’s worst among Halloween products.
Almost 300 products have been reviewed by the authority, of which around 40 are Halloween items. A total of 15 percent of them contained excessively high levels of substances such as lead and phthalates.
Among the Halloween products, a full 20 percent contained excessively high levels of dangerous substances – including face masks and decorations.
“In most cases, the substances do not pose an acute risk to children’s health, but they contribute to the total exposure to hazardous substances that children are exposed to, and many of them have properties that can cause health problems if exposed for a long time,” says Frida Ramström, inspector at the Chemicals Inspectorate, in a press release.
The toys came from various places such as toy stores, museums, grocery stores and online marketplaces. The products from the latter contained the most dangers. According to the Chemicals Agency, this is probably because they are sold by companies outside the EU and do not meet the requirements needed here.
According to the Chemicals Inspectorate, it is best to choose goods from well-known brands and well-established companies.
Phthalates were the most common substance found, found in soft PVC plastic in, for example, dolls and bath toys. Other substances found were cadmium, boron and bisphenol A and lead.
FACTS Some substances found in the goods
Phthalates are a group of substances where not all of them are harmful, but some phthalates can affect the testicles and make it more difficult to have children and some are suspected endocrine disruptors. An important area of use for phthalates is as plasticizers in PVC plastic.
Lead is a highly toxic substance that must not be used in certain goods. It can damage the nervous system and affect, for example, the ability to learn. Fetuses and children are particularly sensitive.
Cadmium is toxic to the environment and health and can cause osteoporosis, kidney damage and cancer. Cadmium can be used in metal and plastic.
Boron is an element that can be included in various chemicals. Excessive intake of boron can lead to damage to the reproductive system.
Bisphenol A is a substance with several different uses, including as an ingredient in the plastic polycarbonate. The substance can, among other things, cause damage to the reproductive system.
Source: The Swedish Chemicals Agency
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