Scientists find toxic metals hidden in popular plastic toys – ScienceDaily

Report on Chemical Contamination in Toys and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Threat to Child Health and Sustainable Development

A comprehensive investigation by researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL) has identified significant levels of hazardous chemicals in plastic toys sold in Brazil. The study, which analyzed 70 different products, reveals critical failures in product safety that directly contravene the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The findings highlight an urgent need for improved regulatory oversight to protect children, a vulnerable population, from exposure to toxic substances.

Key Findings: Violations of Health and Safety Standards (SDG 3)

The research demonstrated that a substantial number of toys failed to meet safety standards established by both Brazilian and European Union authorities. This failure poses a direct threat to achieving SDG Target 3.9, which aims to substantially reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals. The most significant violations included:

• Barium: Found in 44.3% of samples at concentrations up to 15 times the permitted limit. Exposure is linked to severe cardiac and nervous system damage.
• Lead: Exceeded safety limits in 32.9% of toys, with levels nearly four times the threshold. Lead exposure can cause irreversible neurological harm and reduced IQ in children.
• Antimony: Detected above acceptable levels in 24.3% of samples. It is known to cause gastrointestinal issues.
• Chromium: A known carcinogen, this element was present in unsafe concentrations in 20% of the toys tested.

Implications for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

The widespread contamination points to systemic failures in the production chain, undermining SDG 12, which calls for the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste. The study’s findings suggest a lack of control and traceability, particularly for imported items. Achieving SDG Target 12.4 requires immediate and stricter measures, including:

1. Regular and mandatory laboratory analysis of products.
2. Full traceability of materials and components throughout the supply chain.
3. More demanding certification processes for both domestic and imported goods.

Methodology and Scope of Contamination

The study was designed to reflect the market available to families across different socioeconomic strata. The analytical approach confirmed the presence of 21 toxic elements, indicating a multi-contamination scenario.

Identified Toxic Elements

• Testing Method: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for detection, and microwave-assisted acid digestion simulated the release of chemicals from contact with saliva.
• Scope: Toys intended for children aged 0-12 were selected, with a focus on items likely to be placed in the mouth.
• Elements Detected: A total of 21 toxic elements were identified, including:

1. Silver (Ag)
2. Aluminum (Al)
3. Arsenic (As)
4. Barium (Ba)
5. Beryllium (Be)
6. Cadmium (Cd)
7. Cerium (Ce)
8. Cobalt (Co)
9. Chromium (Cr)
10. Copper (Cu)
11. Mercury (Hg)
12. Lanthanum (La)
13. Manganese (Mn)
14. Nickel (Ni)
15. Lead (Pb)
16. Rubidium (Rb)
17. Antimony (Sb)
18. Selenium (Se)
19. Thallium (Tl)
20. Uranium (U)
21. Zinc (Zn)

Conclusion: An Urgent Call for Action to Uphold SDGs

While bioavailability tests indicated that only a small fraction of the total contaminants leaches out upon oral contact, the high total concentrations detected in many samples remain a significant safety concern. The research identified potential contamination sources, such as paint suppliers, providing a basis for targeted enforcement. The alarming results reinforce the need for urgent action from regulatory bodies to strengthen institutional frameworks (SDG 16) and protect children’s health. Fulfilling the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals requires ensuring that the products consumed by the most vulnerable are free from harmful chemicals, thereby promoting both good health (SDG 3) and sustainable production patterns (SDG 12).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on the significant health risks posed by hazardous chemicals found in children’s toys. It explicitly mentions that exposure to these substances can lead to severe health problems, such as “serious heart and nervous system issues, including arrhythmias and paralysis” from barium, and “irreversible neurological harm, memory problems, and reduced IQ in children” from lead. The identification of chromium as a “known carcinogen” further reinforces the connection to health and well-being.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• This goal is central to the article’s discussion on the production and regulation of consumer goods. The findings reveal a failure in ensuring safe production patterns, as many toys “failed to meet the safety requirements established by Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (INMETRO) as well as those set by the European Union.” The call for “stricter enforcement measures, such as regular laboratory analyses, product traceability, and more demanding certifications” points directly to the need for more responsible production and better management of chemicals throughout the supply chain.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals

• Target 3.9 aims to “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s entire focus is on the presence of hazardous chemicals (lead, barium, chromium, antimony, etc.) in toys and the direct link to potential illnesses in children. The research highlights a “worrying scenario of multiple contamination” that directly contributes to the health risks this target seeks to mitigate.

Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes

• Target 12.4 seeks to “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.” The article demonstrates a failure to achieve this target by showing that toxic chemicals are not being managed properly within the toy production chain, resulting in contaminated final products. The discussion of how chemicals might be released when a toy is put in a child’s mouth (“leaches out”) and the need for traceability to identify contamination sources relate directly to managing chemicals to minimize adverse impacts on human health.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for Target 3.9

• The article provides specific, quantifiable data that can serve as indicators of exposure to hazardous chemicals. These include:
  • Percentage of products exceeding safety limits: The study found that 44.3% of samples exceeded the limit for barium, 32.9% for lead, 24.3% for antimony, and 20% for chromium. This percentage can be tracked over time to measure progress in reducing exposure.
  • Concentration levels of hazardous chemicals in products: The article notes that barium levels reached “up to 15 times higher than allowed” and lead was measured at “nearly four times the accepted threshold.” Monitoring these concentration levels is a direct indicator of the severity of chemical contamination.

Indicators for Target 12.4

• The article implies several indicators related to regulatory effectiveness and corporate responsibility:
  • Rate of compliance with national and international safety standards: The finding that a significant number of toys failed to meet INMETRO and EU standards serves as a baseline indicator. An increase in the compliance rate would indicate progress.
  • Implementation of enforcement and traceability systems: The article suggests the need for “regular laboratory analyses, product traceability, and more demanding certifications.” The existence and effectiveness of such systems can be used as an indicator to measure the sound management of chemicals in the production process.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sciencedaily.com