Abstract
The main aim of this study is to assess the quality of inexpensive plastic toys imported to Palestinian Markets. The content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Se, Ba, and Zn) was analyzed in 50 plastic toys purchased from local markets in Palestine and 17 plastic toys purchased from Israeli markets for comparison. After the digestion of samples with concentrated nitric acids and hydrogen peroxide using a microwave digester, the concentrations of the selected heavy metals were determined by ICP-MS Agilent 7500 in Al-Quds University. Results revealed that 40% of the Palestinian toy samples had high concentration (above international limits) of Pb, 30% of Cd, 34% of Cr, 6% of Hg, 42% of As, 32% of Se, 20% of Ba, and 40% of Zn. On the other hand, 95% of the Israeli samples were safe, and their concentrations were less than the maximum internationally allowable limits. In the same context, ten toy samples (2.5 gm each) had been crushed and dipped for 8 hours in a solution of artificial saliva. The solution was acidified and tested for heavy metal concentrations, but none of the migration concentrations exceeded the international maximum allowable limit. High levels of heavy metal concentrations, found in the plastic toys from the Palestinian markets could form a health hazard to children and put their lives at risk. It could be also an indirect source for environmental pollution.
Highlights
Children exposure to heavy metals in contaminated plastic toys continues to be a major health concern
Fifty popular cheap priced plastic toys were purchased from three major Palestinian cities (Hebron, Nablus and Ramallah) and 17 plastic toys were purchased from the Israeli markets
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Toys Purchased from Palestinian Market
Summary
Children exposure to heavy metals in contaminated plastic toys continues to be a major health concern. In the Environment metals have been linked to chronic diseases that are on the rise, including breast cancer, learning and developmental disabilities, and reproductive health problems [1] Analysis of such elements and preventive action is important to ensure toy safety. Fifty popular cheap priced plastic toys were purchased from three major Palestinian cities (Hebron, Nablus and Ramallah) and 17 plastic toys were purchased from the Israeli markets (west Jerusalem, Beit Safafa neighborhood). They were randomly selected from shops selling toys whole sale, retail, and stalls considering accessibility to children from middle and low-income. Digestion and ICPMS Analysis Toy samples were digested using Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Siliceous and Organically Based Matrices (MARS 6, Analytk Jena Company) according to the method described by [5] Kingston and Haswell, 1997
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