The most dangerous place in the house: your child's toys
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Children's toys are necessary not only for the child to have fun, but also for its development. Unfortunately, manufacturers of goods for the youngest do not always adhere to the technology of production and sometimes such toys represent a mortal danger for the child.
The main threat to the health of the baby is the covering of toys. For the production of goods for children, companies often use synthetic and polymer materials based on hazardous compounds such as vinyl chloride, styrene, ethylene, acrylic acid, formaldehyde and propylene.
A toy, made of natural materials - cotton, wool, wood and rubber, can pose a threat to health. All natural materials are killed by enamels and paints containing harmful elements
Just imagine how dangerous contact with such toys is, because the kid touches it, inhales its smell, can take it into the mouth.
Before you buy a toy, carefully examine it and smell it. Immediately guard the sharp and bright colors, as well as the unpleasant smell of the product. These details are very important, because the overly bright coloring can injure the child's psyche and negatively affect the eyesight, and the presence of an unpleasant odor should instantly discourage you from buying such a toy, no matter how beautiful and interesting it may be.
The most dangerous substances for the child's health are lead, phthalates and cadmium.
Lead can provoke attacks of nausea and vomiting, headaches, blindness and cramps. Poisoning occurs then, when a person breathes lead dust or swallows its enzymes.
Phthalates are used in industry. This chemical element used in the manufacture of plastic can cause serious behavioral problems in children, as well as disorders of the endocrine system.
Cadmium is very useful for color saturation, but very harmful to humans. In the list of 275 most dangerous toxic substances, cadmium occupies the seventh line.
Remember that quality goods always have a hygienic quality certificate. Avoid places of unauthorized trade and ask the seller for documents on toys, so as not to make your home a warehouse of dangerous goods for health.