For the purposes of the study, the specialists analyzed the chemical composition of 157 different toys
Allowing children to play with old toys may pose a risk to their health, writes “Science Daily”, citing a Swedish study.
Its authors from the University of Gothenburg have found that more than 80 percent of old toys and items contain toxins that can damage children’s growth, development and reproductive abilities, as well as cause cancer.
For the purposes of the study, the specialists analyzed the chemical composition of 157 different toys.
The analysis carried out shows that up to 84 percent of the old products contain phthalates and short-chain chlorinated paraffins in concentrations significantly exceeding the norm.
An excess of 30 percent was registered for the new toys, but it was lower than for the old ones. The phthalate content of old footballs, for example, makes up more than 40 percent of their weight, which is 400 times the legal limit.
The results obtained show that reuse and recycling are not always good for the environment. According to the study’s authors, toxins in old toys and belongings present an obstacle to a future circular economy involving these practices.
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