Cuddly animals burdened with carcinogenic pollutants - health risks for children

Many stuffed animals for children charged with toxins
Cuddly toys are a constant companion in everyday life for many children and are especially popular as Christmas gifts. However, the stuffed animals often contain dangerous toxins and can thus bring health risks for the children, reports the Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI). "When making a profit manufacturers of children's toys, as our tests unfortunately prove little scruples," said the VKI. Although no acute symptoms of poisoning of children are to be feared, but in the long term, the intake of toxins could bring significant adverse effects.

In the run-up to Christmas, the business is buzzing with cuddly stuffed animals and many children will be happy about a teddy, a plush horse or a cuddly rabbit under the Christmas tree. "Hardly any other toy comes as close to babies for hours as the favorite cuddly toy," reports the VKI. Here it becomes clear why pollutants in stuffed animals can pose a particular risk. In close contact significant amounts of pollutants can be absorbed.

Only a cuddly toy without any traces of pollution
Citing a recent test by Stiftung Warentest, the VKI warns of potential health risks for the children. "In 16 of the 23 products tested and also available in Austrian stores, significant amounts of hazardous pollutants were found, including the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)," according to the VKI. Only six cuddly animals are to be regarded as recommendable, with five of them still having traces of pollutants. A single cuddly toy was free of measurable loads: The dangling rabbit (beige) of the manufacturer Senger animal dolls, reports the VKI.

Babies already have very close contact with their cuddly toys, which is why the proven pollutant levels of the stuffed animals are particularly critical. (Image: StefanieB./fotolia.com)

Long-term health risks due to contained pollutants
Even cuddly toys from renowned brand manufacturers such as Käthe Kruse, Sigikid or Steiff could not always convince in the current test. Basically, in addition to pollutants mainly weaknesses in the processing of major criticisms of the testers. For example, two products might not have been sold at all given the lack of processing, since unstable, fast-flowing seams run the risk of children swallowing and, in the worst case, suffocating parts of the cuddly toys.

The pollutants, however, bring a rather long-term health risk, according to the experts. Particular mention is made here of the carcinogenic effect of the proven substances and possible impairments of the reproductive ability. In the wings of Käthe Kruse's kite Kuno, for example, the testers found an incorporated plastic film that was contaminated with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which has been banned in toys for years, reports the Austrian daily newspaper "der Standard". DEHP could have a negative impact on fertility.

Avoid risks when buying cuddly toys
In order to avoid unnecessary risks for the little ones when buying children's toys, attention should be paid to the smell and the processing. With striking smelling toys and obvious processing weaknesses, according to the experts of a purchase to refrain. The processing can be tested for example by pulling lightly on the seams or button eyes. Test marks such as the CE mark are mandatory for toys, and in addition the GS mark (tested safety) can indicate particularly high standards. Not least cuddly animals should be washable and a wash before the first use is recommended, explain the experts. (Fp)