Second Hand Toys Research Paper

University of Plymouth researchers have warned about plastic in second-hand toys which could be a health hazard for children. The warning was issued after the scientists tested 200 used plastic toys in nurseries, thrift stores, and homes across England.

In particular, the researchers cited Lego bricks from the 1970s and 1980s which they described as the big fail. Dr. Andrew Turner, from the University of Plymouth, explained that during those days, toys were not tested. Using X-ray fluorescence technology, his team analyzed a lot of toys for nine hazardous elements, BBC reported.

High concentrations of hazardous elements

Since the toys they studied – which include cars, trains, figures, and puzzles – were of the size that young children could possibly chew, the discovery of the contents of

He said any uptake must be avoided, if possible, because of the chronic effects. However, he noted that whole certain colors of second-hand toys may present a risk, it would be difficult to quantify the risk.

He encouraged a precautionary approach to the sale of the second-hand plastic toys, especially since the socioeconomic population that would likely come in contact with other environmental sources of these substances, such as lead and cadmium, may also get new toys.

Because second-hand goods are not going to have the same safety assurances, Mark Gardiner, from the Chartered Training Standards Institute, said that parents should weigh the risks involved. Not only are some of the toys very old, some of it could have mechanically deteriorated over the years.

These products should be removed from the market if it pose a risk to kids, Gardiner said. Turner previously had similar findings of second-hand glasses and paint on playground equipment.

The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology.

Investor’s point of