Formaldehyde in children’s toys. A modern approach

The issue of assessment of the chemical safety of toys and materials used in their manufacture is a pertinent one, given the increase in range and sales of these items despite the challenges posed by wartime circumstances. Aim. To evaluate formaldehyde content in different materials children’s toys and to assess the results in compliance with the current requirements to safety indicators. Results. According to the results of studies of toys made of polymer materials (12 samples), the formaldehyde content in the aqueous model environment is determined within the range from less than 0.01 mg/dm3 (limit of quantitative determination) to 0.031 mg/dm3. The formaldehyde content during its migration from textile toys (13 samples) was determined within the range from less than 0.01 mg/dm3 to 0.027 mg/dm3; from paper toys (9 samples) — from less than 0.01 mg/dm3 to 0.078 mg/dm3; from wooden toys (3 samples) — from 0.024 mg/dm3 to 0.08 mg/dm3. Conclusions. 1. The formaldehyde content in the aqueous model environment during the study of all types of toys did not exceed the limit values in accordance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations on the Safety of Toys. 2. Toys that cannot be disinfected may pose a particular hazard during use and should be monitored. 3. Methodological approaches to sanitary-chemical examination of toys need to be refined and harmonized, taking into account the requirements of the Technical Regulations on the Safety of Toys.