UCT study finds banned toxic chemicals in some children’s products

Some children’s toys and everyday products sold in South Africa may contain traces of toxic chemicals that were banned globally years ago, raising concerns about the safety of products used by young children.

That is according to a new study by the University of Cape Town (UCT), which found signs of hazardous chemicals in products including Rubik’s Cubes, toy mobile phones, puzzle mats, sunglasses, toy vehicles and child car seats.

The study, published in the journal Heliyon, was conducted by Rebecca Mlelwa as part of her PhD research and her supervisor Prof Andrea Rother from UCT’s environmental health division.

The study examined 138 new and second-hand children’s products sold in South Africa to investigate whether they contained traces of banned flame-retardant chemicals.

The researchers focused on brominated flame retardants, chemicals that were once widely used to make electronic products less flammable but were later banned under the Stockholm Convention because they have been linked to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and cancer.

Using a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, the team screened products for bromine and antimony, two indicators linked to these hazardous chemicals. Bromine was detected in 38% of the products tested, while antimony was found in 90% of those products.

Legacy pollutants are potentially re-entering children’s products through recycled plastics in South Africa
— UCT study

The highest levels were found in Rubik’s Cubes, a toy mobile phone and a puzzle mat.

Other products showing signs of contamination included sunglasses, child car seats, toy motorcycles, toy baskets and trolleys, toy stethoscopes and toy pistols.

According to the researchers, the findings point to contaminated recycled plastics making their way into children’s products.

“This study provides preliminary evidence that legacy pollutants are potentially re-entering children’s products through recycled plastics in South Africa. The combination of bromine and antimony, together with concentrations that are too low to serve a flame-retardant function, strongly suggests contamination through the recycling process rather than intentional use in these products,” said the researchers.

While recycling plays an important role in reducing waste, the researchers warned that it should not come at the expense of children’s health.

The study says children are especially vulnerable because their organs and nervous systems are still developing, their bodies are less able to remove harmful substances, and they spend long periods playing with, handling and sometimes putting toys into their mouths.

Previous research has also shown that children can be exposed to these chemicals through direct contact with toys, by mouthing them, through skin contact and by swallowing contaminated dust.

Regulatory oversight and product screening will be critical to preventing hazardous substances from continuing to circulate in new products
— Rebecca Mlelwa

The researchers said the findings add to growing international evidence that efforts to expand the circular economy need stronger safeguards to stop toxic chemicals from ending up in new consumer products.

“South Africa has significant regulatory challenges in managing this risk,” they said.

Mlelwa said a co-ordinated response involving the National Consumer Commission, the department of health and the department of forestry, fisheries & the environment is needed. She recommended: