Hazardous substances in toys – phthalates, bisphenol A, PFAS, and lead. What should you know about them?
When you stand in front of a toy shelf, you want only one thing: to provide your child with a safe childhood and toys that will support their development, not pose a health risk. More and more parents are asking online about substances like phthalates, Bisphenol A, and PFAS – what are they, where do they come from, and what impact might they have on children's health? In this article, we examine the most common toys containing these hazardous substances. Is lead still detected in toys during UOKiK inspections? If you want to better understand what these hazardous substances are and where they can be found in children's toys, we invite you to read on.
What are phthalates and where are they most common? Soft toys under the microscope.
Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP, DIBP) are salts and esters of phthalic acid, used as plasticizers – i.e. substances that give plastics flexibility and softness. If you are wondering what are phthalates in i where they occur, the answer is: primarily in soft PVC products. In the context of children, phthalates are detected in, among others, in inflatable toys, dolls, balls or figurines made of flexible plastic.
Although EU law clearly defines permissible limits, inspections carried out by, among others, the Office of Protection and Consumer Protection (UOiKK) show that where phthalates are present, the applicable limits are often significantly exceeded.
More about tightening EU toy safety regulations we write in our other article.
Prolonged contact (through the skin, through the mouth) with toys containing phthalates in too high concentrations is the most dangerous for a child.
Phthalates – harmfulness and impact on the hormonal system of children
These substances are classified as so-called endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which means, that disrupt the functioning of the hormonal system, imitating or blocking the natural hormonal response. Harmfulness of phthalates in children's toys may include:
- In boys: decreased testosterone levels, decreased sperm count, and even undescended testicles or small genitalia after birth.
- In girls: The harmful effects of phthalates include the stimulation of premature puberty.
Some phthalates are classified as particularly hazardous substances, including: disrupting the hormonal balance, carcinogenic, damaging the liver, kidneys and heart. They are also associated with asthma and allergies.
Of course, you shouldn't worry in advance: we've already explained what phthalates are found in, however, this does not mean that you should be afraid of every soft, plastic toy for a child, although it is certainly worth paying special attention to the safety of toys imported from outside the EU, including from China.
Harmfulness of phthalates is significant, the risk increases with concentration and contact time, therefore compliance by Manufacturers with the limits allowed in the EU significantly reduces it.
What is Bisphenol A and where does it come from? BPA Free toys and plastic containers.
Seeing the markings "BPA-free" on plastic toys or bottles, many parents start to wonder, what is Bisphenol A and why has its use in these types of products been banned? Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic chemical compound belonging to the phenol group, first synthesized in 1891. BPA is used as a monomer in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, which have been widely used in everyday products for years.
You already know what Bisphenol A is, but when it comes to where it's found, the list is long. BPA can be found in, among other things. in plastic containers and bottles (until recently also in baby bottles), inner coatings of metal food cans, jar lids, and also in some plastic toysWhat else is Bisphenol A found in? It can be found in thermal paper, such as receipts.
Importantly, Bisphenol A can be released from the material when exposed to heat, which increases the risk of exposure when a toy or other item is heated or exposed to high temperatures.
Harmfulness of Bisphenol A - impact on children's health
Bisphenol A (BPA) belongs to a group substances known as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), i.e. compounds that can disrupt the functioning of the hormonal system. His mischievousness is that it can mimic or block the action of natural hormones, even at very low doses. The body is particularly sensitive to the effects of BPA in the prenatal period and in early childhood - exposure to this substance is sometimes associated with possible neurohormonal disorders in the developing fetus.
Expert advises
Studies indicate that higher urinary BPA concentrations in young children around 4 years of age may be associated with an increased body mass index (BMI), larger waist circumference, and thicker adipose tissue. In school-age girls (9–12 years old), a relationship between BPA exposure and overweight has been observed [2]. The described harmful effects of bisphenol A also include a possible impact on child behavior—including an increased tendency toward hyperactivity and aggression—and its role in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life [3].
Heavy metals in toys: lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium, and mercury. Do they pose a real threat?
Heavy metals in toys pose a serious threat to children's health because these elements they are not biodegradable and have the ability to accumulate in living organismsHeavy metals, e.g. lead, are most commonly found in toys in paints, colorants, enamels and laminates, especially those covering wooden and metal toysChildren are particularly vulnerable to their effects because they frequently put toys in their mouths, which is a key source of non-dietary exposure to toxins, including heavy metals. These metals can enter the body through, among other things, food. as a result of sucking, licking or prolonged contact of the toy with the skin.
Lead (Pb) in toys — impact on health:
Lead is a highly toxic element, and any amount of it in the body poses a threat. Even small exposures can cause multi-organ damage and permanent organic changesChronic exposure to lead, for example in toys, may be associated with, among other things, reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), neurobehavioral disorders, and hearing impairment.
Cadmium (Cd) in toys
Cadmium is extremely toxic to living organisms and can accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bones. Exposure to cadmium can cause damage to kidney function, disturbances in calcium and vitamin D metabolism, and neurotoxic effects.
Chromium (Cr) in toys
Chromium compounds are classified as metalloestrogens, which act on the estrogen receptor and may disrupt body functions. Chromium (III and VI) may increase lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and mitochondria. In the context of EU regulations, Chromium (VI) is listed as a particularly toxic substance.
Arsenic (As) in toys
Arsenic is a metalloid and is classified as a "black zone." In the context of new EU regulations, arsenic is one of the elements for which stricter migration limits apply due to its particular toxicity to the nervous and immune systems.
Antimony (Sb) in toys
Antimony is classified as a metal that, in addition to its toxic properties, can accumulate in the child's body. Prolonged exposure may irritate the respiratory tract and skin, and in larger quantities may adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract. As well as lead in toys, antimony is one of the most dangerous elements.
Mercury (Hg) in toys
The nervous system is most sensitive to its effects – Mercury can disrupt brain development, affecting memory, concentration and cognitive abilitiesIn children, chronic exposure to mercury may also be associated with delayed speech development, learning difficulties, and impaired motor coordination.
Selenium (Se) in toys
Selenium, although an essential trace element in the diet, is listed in toys as metalloestrogen, which affects the estrogen receptor, disrupting the functions of the hormonal system.
PFAS – what is it and where can it be found?
In the context of children's health, many conscious parents are increasingly entering the phrase "What is PFAS?" into search engines. PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called "eternal chemicals" ("forever chemicals"). The list of PFAS is incredibly long—these compounds constitute a large family of over 10,000 artificially synthesized compounds that are exceptionally persistent in the environment.
What is PFAS in? PFAS are used in many products because of their resistance to high temperature, water and fat — PFAS are often associated with non-stick coatings (e.g. Teflon)What are PFAS in children's toys?
These compounds are most often found in toy components that require electronic or electrical functions, although the intentional use of PFAS is now largely banned by EU regulations. Some PFAS have been classified as endocrine disrupting substances (EDCs) or carcinogens.
PFAS Free Toys and the New Ban List
Due to growing concerns about the harmful effects of PFAS, the European Union in November 2025 introduced stricter toy safety regulationsThe new regulations prohibit the intentional use of PFAS in toys (although with exceptions for components necessary for electronic functions, if the substance is completely inaccessible to children). The aim of the new regulations is to tighten the regulations so that toys that are actually safe enter the market. PFAS free, as safe as possible for the youngest.
Warning – Magnetic flux induction limits in this toy have been exceeded. What does this mean?
Continuing with the safety of toys, it's worth mentioning those containing magnets. Most parents are aware of the dangers of swallowing small parts containing magnets/batteries. However, few parents know that reports available on the Office of Consumer Protection (UOiKK) website regularly indicate that the magnetic flux density index in some toys exceeds the threshold. What does this mean in terms of toy safety and children's health?
Magnetic induction flux is a measure of the intensity of the magnetic field produced by an electrical or electronic deviceIn the context of toys, this primarily applies to those that:
- are powered by batteries or accumulators,
- they have motors, magnets, speakers, electronic components,
- they emit sound, light or move on their own.
If during the inspection it was found that the magnetic flux index is exceeded, this means that the toy produces too strong magnetic field, higher than permitted by EU safety standards.
Why might this be a problem for your baby's health?
A child's body – especially an infant's and a small child's – is in a phase of intensive development, which is why safety standards for toys take into account the particular sensitivity of children and introduce much lower permissible levels of exposure to magnetic fields than for adults.
Expert advises
Exceeding these limits means the toy does not meet safety requirements and should not be offered on the market, regardless of whether it currently causes noticeable health symptoms. These restrictions are preventative and serve to minimize the potential risks associated with close and repeated contact between a child and a toy. In practice, close and prolonged contact is most significant, for example, when a child holds the toy very close to their head, sleeps with it, or frequently puts it in their mouth.
What can you do as a parent to choose safe toys that are PFAS free, lead free, or BPA free?
While EU regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive, everyday purchasing decisions still matter. When choosing toys:
- check the CE marking and manufacturer's data,
- avoid products with intense, chemical scents,
- pay attention to PFAS free and BPA free declarations,
- regularly check the list of withdrawn products, e.g. on the website Office of OiKK.
In this article we write more about what to pay attention to (including what markings and certificates) if we want buy safe toys for your child.
Expert advises
The article highlights the fact that serious hazards associated with toys are not visible to the naked eye because they involve chemical composition or technical parameters that parents cannot independently assess. This is precisely why regulations and effective market surveillance play such a crucial role. It's worth emphasizing that existing limits and prohibitions are primarily preventative. Their goal is to minimize potential risks during a child's period of intensive development, not to react when health symptoms appear. Parents making informed choices based on reliable information are also a crucial element of real child protection.
Bibliography:
- European Parliament and Council. (2025, 26 November). Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 on the safety of toys and repealing Directive 2009/48/ECOfficial Journal L, 2025/2509, 12.12.2025.
- Yazdanfar, N., Saatloo, N. V., & Sadighara, P. (2022). Contamination of potentially toxic metals in children's toys marketed in Iran. About Sci Pollut Res Int, 29(45), 68441-68446. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20720-1. PMID: 35538346.
- Nieć, J., Baranowska, R., Dziubanek, G., & Rogala, D. (2013). Environmental exposure of children to heavy metals contained in soils from playgrounds, sports fields, sandboxes and kindergarten areas in Upper Silesia. JEcolHealth, 17 (2), 55-62.
- Grynkiewicz-Bylina, B. (2011). Testing of toxic elements migration from the materials used as toy coatings. Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S, 18 (2), 223-231.
- Jastrzębski, T., Kowalska, A., Szymala, I., Żelazko, A., & Domagalska, J. (2016). Exposure to cadmium in the pre- and postnatal period – its impact on fertility and children's health. Environmental Medicine, 19(3), 58-64. DOI: 10.19243/2016307.
- Kiełbasa, M., & Socha, M. (Eds.). (2019). Children's toys – selected theoretical, research and practical contexts. Nowy Sącz: Scientific Publishing House of the State Higher Vocational School in Nowy Sącz. ISBN 978-83-65575-51-7.
- Konieczna, A., Rutkowska, A., & Rachoń, D. (2015). Health risk of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA). Year of the State of Zakl Hig, 66(1), 5-11. PMID: 25813067
- Kulik-Kupka, K., Nowak, J., Korzonek-Szlacheta, I., & Zubelewicz-Szkodzińska, B. (2017). The influence of endocrine disruptors on body functions. Progress Hig Med Exp, 71, 1231-1238. DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.7748.
- Rudkowski, Z. (2013). Environmental exposure and the impact of chemicals contained in plastic materials on children's health – challenges also for pediatricians. Environmental Medicine, 16 (1), 7-15.
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