Measurement of lead and cadmium concentration in Chinese plastic toys sold in the markets of Nalut City

الملخص

The purpose of this study is to measure the concentration of Lead and Cadmium in Chinese plastic toys  sold in markets of Nalut city. To achieve this, a total of 9 different samples of plastic toys were collected from 4 toys and children's supplies stores. The toys  were selected based on the type, color and price and targeted children  aged  between 1 month and 5 years. The study  followed a cross-sectional design. Samples were digested and prepared at the Libyan Center for Plastics Research and then analyzed at the Food and Drug Control Center using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) to measure the concentrations of heavy metals: Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd). Results revealed very high levels of Lead and Cadmium, with lead being the predominant  metal, detected in 70% of samples, and  Cadmium in 44%. Most concentrations exceeded the permissible limits set by European standards EN 71-3.  Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the type of the toy and child age with lead concentration.

 No correlation was found  between  price, color ,or polymer type and  Lead concentration . conversely,  a significant relationship was also found  between cadmium levels and the toy price and color.  The study concluded that Chinese plastic toys pose serious health risks to children in Nalut.