Kid surrounded by indoor allergens
From the first weeks of life, a toddler is in a microenvironment of indoor allergens, which accumulate mainly in dust. Prevalent among these are allergens of dust mites, cockroaches, pets and some moulds [3,6]. Their highest concentrations are found in the bedroom (in bedding, mattress), in the kitchen (on the floor) and on the surfaces of carpets and upholstered furniture. Due to their aerodynamic properties, allergens can be carried, for example, on the skin and on the surface of clothes [3]. They easily enter the respiratory system.
Allergen transmission is promoted by certain types of toys. These are mainly mascots, which are used for play during the day and become cuddly toys and sleeping cushions for children at night [3]. Contact with such dust reservoirs is known to exacerbate complaints in asthmatics and patients with atopic dermatitis [6,7]. Researchers are still seeking answers to the question of whether exposure to indoor allergens contributes to the development of asthma and allergies in children [6]. What about toddlers who already have allergies or are prone to developing them? Can toys be dangerous for them?
How does toy dermatitis look like? Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a toy
An allergic reaction after contact with a toy is commonly referred to as toy dermatitis. Symptoms are usually seen on the hands or face. This reaction can result in allergic eczema on the fingers, cheeks or in the auricle area [1,2].
A case of a seven-year-old patient who struggled with fingertip eczema for a year was reported in the literature. It was found to be a manifestation of an allergy to noise putty [2]. A nine-year-old patient who regularly wore children’s jewellery developed specific skin lesions on her hands and forearms called lichenified plaques [2]. In contrast, an itchy lump surrounded by erythema appeared on the skin of a 14-year-old after wearing a temporary tattoo for several hours [2].
Various children’s toys and accessories can therefore trigger an allergic reaction, whose cause is not always easy to identify.
Not only allergens. Chemistry in toys
According to current legislation, toys marketed in Poland (after 20 July 2013) cannot contain allergenic fragrances [4]. The exceptions are cosmetic kits as well as flavour and fragrance games, except that a warning about the risk of an allergic reaction must appear on their packaging. Toys are also subject to a specific EU directive, setting out safety requirements [9]. Information on products that may pose a risk to health appears in the EU Rapex system [10].
However, control is still needed in terms of labelling composition and compliance with manufacturing standards [1]. There are many toys on the market without CE marking, which is a guarantee that the manufacturer has carried out a proper procedure for assessing conformity with technical requirements [4]. Internet sales, which are particularly poorly controlled, are a problem. The Polish OCCP conducted laboratory tests in 2019, which covered 546 toys. Irregularities were found in a total of 230, which is over 42% of them [10]. In 17.8 % of the toys, the permitted level of phthalates (present in so-called soft plastic) was exceeded. In slime toys, the most frequent finding was that the permitted level of boron migration was exceeded (86.7%) [10].
To avoid toys that pose a risk to your child, pay attention to the quality of manufacture, the source from which they come and the markings. In addition to the CE symbol, it is worth looking for certificates from the Institute of Mother and Child and the National Institute of Hygiene on the packaging. These indicate that the toy meets the safety standards applicable in Poland [10].
Aleksandra Lipiec
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tłumaczenie: Julia Majsiak
