Health hazard due to children's toys

Stiftung Warentest: Every sixth toy represents a health risk

27/10/2011

There are still many children's toys available on the market that can pose a significant health risk. Stiftung Warentest has once again revealed serious safety deficiencies and potential health risks in children's toys.

More than one in six children's toys tested contained hazardous pollutants or had technical defects (small parts that could swallow, loops with the risk of strangulation), which could be a serious threat to children, Stiftung Warentest reports. Consumers should therefore be particularly cautious when buying children's toys, according to the Foundation.

The Stiftung Warentest has examined a total of 40 children's toys for children between the ages of three and six in the current study. Seven of the tested products received the grade „inadequate“ and many of them - including many branded products. However, also around half of the tested children's toys were rated „Well“ or „very well“ which is a very positive development compared to the toy survey at the end of last year. At that time, the majority of the toys studied (80 percent) did not meet the testers' requirements due to the health risks. However, according to the latest research, Stiftung Warentest explicitly emphasizes that there are also numerous safe and pollution-free toys available, including products from brand manufacturers such as Lego, Haba, Plantoys, Playmobil and Schleich.

Carcinogenic pollutants in children's toys
The Stiftung Warentest was able to increase the level of pollutants among others in branded products such as the „Knight's attack tower "by Simba, the Safari figures (set of 8) by Brio and the model train of Tedi „Knights Attack Tower "by Simba, the testers found in the black train torse line and the Green Knight carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK) In the Brio Safari Set, the Stiftung Warentest discovered in the metal wheels of the locomotive nickel, which dissolves from the toy and at In addition, the paint of the Brio-Lok contained tin-organic compounds, PAHs and octylphenolethoxylates.The pollutants affect the immune system and reproductive ability and are considered to be potentially carcinogenic, Stiftung Warentest explained „inadequate“. The Tedi model train contained in the black plastic rails the carcinogenic pollutant PAH, the testers said. Other toys many because of loops that can wrap around the neck of the child and therefore bring considerable Strangulationsgefahr or because of soluble, swallowable small parts in the current test through. In addition, the Stiftung Warentest warned against dangerous plasticizers such as bisphenol A, which may be contained in toys with soft plastic parts.

Consumers should pay attention to the appearance, smell and feel of the toys
The Stiftung Warentest recommends consumers to be particularly careful when buying children's toys and to trust their own senses. If the toys smell conspicuous or are brightly colorful, according to the experts, the processed materials should be questioned and in case of doubt the children's toys should be avoided. For wooden toys, parents, grandparents, relatives and friends should use exclusively unpainted products, warned Stiftung Warentest. In addition, plastic toys made of hard plastic are preferable to soft plastic toys due to the plasticizer, so the statement of the Stiftung Warentest. Fabric parts in dolls and cuddly toys should be washed according to the testers before the first game necessarily. Whether it is possible to loosen small parts that could be swallowed or that there is a risk of strangulation due to loops and cords, consumers need to assess themselves in case of doubt, Stiftung Warentest emphasized.

Alternative: toys with organic seal or nature
If customers discovered a defect in the children's toys, which could become a health risk for the adolescents, they should, according to the Stiftung Warentest to the dealer concerned. If the product violates legal regulations, customers have the option to reclaim the purchase price anyway and in the event that a general risk to the health of children is suspected, the corresponding children's toys can also be reported to the Trade Inspectorate, said the testers. There is also the option to return toys online, by post or by telephone in general within two weeks of receipt without giving any further reasons, said the Stiftung Warentest. To be on the safe side, consumers can also look to children's toys on the Bio Seal, which is available in specialty organic stores and in some major toy markets, but usually costs far more than other children's toys. A cost-effective alternative, especially for toddlers, also offers a walk into nature. Acorns, sticks, leaves and chestnuts can be used to create a variety of toys. (Fp)

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Picture: Rike (picture is not affected)