German institute repeats concerns about sensitising agents in toys

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has repeated its concerns regarding the presence of nickel, fragrances and other sensitising agents used in toys (CW January 2009). It says that toys made of metal alloys that are likely to have increased skin contact over long periods of time should be limited to the same regulating value as that used for the release of nickel in jewellery.

The 55 allergenic fragrances and fragrance ingredients banned under the new European toy safety Directive should not be detected in toys, BfR says. At present traces of these forbidden fragrances are permissible up to 100 mg/kg toy material. Further, 11 additional fragrances subject to mandatory labelling due to their allergenic potential, should be limited to 10 mg/kg and toys that can be put in the mouth by children under three years should contain no fragrances.

In addition, BfR says preserving agents in liquid and paste-like toy materials that come directly into contact with the skin, such as finger paints or play dough, should be subject to the same requirements as those for preserving agents in cosmetics due to their sensitising properties.

• BfR opinion (in German)
• BfR statement