What do the 8 major heavy metals and 19 phthalate plasticizers referred to in the EN71 testing mean?

EN71 Testing for 8 Heavy MetalsDefinition

The 8 heavy metals tested in the EN71 standard are antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se). These heavy metals possess unique chemical properties within the periodic table. For example, lead is a soft, malleable metal that commonly occurs in nature in the form of compounds; mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and is volatile.

Potential Sources

These heavy metals can originate from various sources in children's toys. In terms of manufacturing materials, if recycled plastic is used, it may contain heavy metal impurities. For instance, some low-quality plastic particles that have not undergone strict purification during recycling may retain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Paints and coatings used in toys are also important sources. Toys with bright colors often require large amounts of paint, and some unscrupulous manufacturers may use low-cost paints that contain heavy metals to reduce costs. For example, lead-containing red pigments have been found in some substandard toys, and children who chew on these toys may ingest these heavy metals. Additionally, if the production equipment is outdated, it may introduce heavy metals during the manufacturing process. For instance, metal molds that are worn out after long-term use may release their metal components into the toys.

Importance of Testing

These heavy metals pose serious health risks to children. Lead can affect the development of the nervous system, causing problems such as inattention and decreased learning ability. Even low levels of lead exposure can have irreversible effects on a child's intellectual development. Mercury is neurotoxic; if ingested through the respiratory or digestive tract, it can disrupt the normal function of the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as memory loss and motor disorders. Arsenic is a carcinogen, and long-term exposure may increase a child's risk of developing cancer. Therefore, testing for these 8 heavy metals in toys can effectively reduce the risk of children coming into contact with these harmful substances and protect their health.

EN71 Testing for 19 Phthalate PlasticizersDefinition

Phthalate plasticizers are a class of organic compounds widely used in plastic products, primarily to increase their flexibility and malleability. The 19 phthalate plasticizers tested in the EN71 standard include bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), among others. These compounds are typically colorless or pale yellow oily liquids with good solubility and volatility.

Potential Sources

In children's toys, the main source of phthalate plasticizers is plastic materials. Many soft plastic toys, such as rubber dolls and plastic balls, contain large amounts of phthalate plasticizers to achieve a soft texture and good elasticity. Some plastic packaging materials may also contain these plasticizers, and during the storage and transportation of toys, the plasticizers may migrate to the surface of the toys. Additionally, if lubricants or release agents containing phthalate plasticizers are used in the production process of toys, these harmful substances may end up in the toys.

Importance of Testing

Research has shown that phthalate plasticizers have endocrine-disrupting properties. They can mimic hormones in the human body and interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. For children, long-term exposure to phthalate plasticizers may affect the development of the reproductive system, leading to issues such as precocious puberty. Moreover, they may also damage a child's immune and respiratory systems. Therefore, testing for these 19 phthalate plasticizers in toys can effectively reduce children's exposure to these harmful substances and protect their endocrine system and overall health.

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