Enhancing Toy Safety: Time to Improve Chemical Migration Testing

Abstract

We examine and discuss the evolution and current state of chemical migration testing protocols for children’s toys, from early practices to present-day methods. Drawing from a synthesis of literature and comparisons with international standards such as European standard EN 71-10, the key factors influencing chemical migration testing are identified, including temperature, pH, duration of contact, choice of simulant, and agitation methods. We propose enhancements to existing protocols to improve accuracy and realism, such as adjusting the temperature to physiologic levels, incorporating pH adjustments, extending migration testing duration, and diversifying simulants. Moreover, we advocate for a more holistic approach to toy safety, considering interactions among multiple substances and age-specific vulnerabilities of children. Advancements in analytical technologies are also discussed as promising tools for enhancing testing sensitivity and specificity. We stress the urgency and necessity of global harmonization and collaborative solutions to ensure consistent standards and foster a safer environment for children worldwide. By aligning testing protocols, exchanging best practices, and leveraging technological innovations, stakeholders can prioritize children’s well-being and create a world where toys bring joy without compromising safety.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Toy safety / Chemical migration / Chemical additives / Artificial body fluids / Simulants

References

[1] G A Alexandros, E Madhavan, K Kurunthachalam. (2016). Migration of parabens, bisphenols, benzophenone-type uv filters, triclosan, and triclocarban from teethers and its implications for infant exposure. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(24): 13539–13547

[2] Z J Baum, X Yu, P Y Ayala, Y Zhao, S P Watkins, Q Zhou. (2021). Artificial intelligence in chemistry: current trends and future directions. Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, 61(7): 3197–3212

[3] E F A Brandon, A G Oomen, C J M Rompelberg, C H M Versantvoort, J G M van Engelen, A Sips. (2006). Consumer product in vitro digestion model: bio accessibility of contaminants and its application in risk assessment. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 44(2): 161–171

[4] K S Corea-Téllez, P Bustamante-Montes, M García-Fábila, M A Hernández-Valero, F Vázquez-Moreno. (2008). Estimated risks of water and saliva contamination by phthalate diffusion from plasticized polyvinyl chloride. Journal of Environmental Health, 71(3): 34–39

[5] H Q Fang, J Wang, R A Lynch. (2017). Migration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butylphthalate (DBP) from polypropylene food containers. Food Control, 73: 1298–1302

[6] R Franz, R Brandsch. (2013). Migration of acrylic monomers from methacrylate polymers-establishing parameters for migration modeling. Packaging Technology & Science, 26(8): 435–451

[7] D Kim, S Sochichiu, J H Kwon. (2022). Effects of time, temperature, and sebum layer on migration rate of plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride products. Chemosphere, 308: 136478

[8] M Q Man, S J Xin, S P Song, S Y Cho, X J Zhang, C X Tu, K R Feingold, P M Elias. (2009). Variation of skin surface pH, sebum content and stratum corneum hydration with age and gender in a large Chinese population. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 22(4): 190–199

[9] A G Oomen, C J Rompelberg, M A Bruil, C J Dobbe, D P Pereboom, A J Sips. (2003). Development of an in vitro digestion model for estimating the bioaccessibility of soil contaminants. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 44(3): 281–287

[10] V Ramírez, S Merkel, T Tietz, A Rivas. (2023). Risk assessment of food contact materials. EFSA Journal, 21: e211015

Conflict of Interests

Elvis Genbo Xu is an Editor of Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2025 Higher Education Press 2025