The 21st Century has brought a hustle and bustle in our lives. Parents and guardians are in the rat race to make ends meet. In order to entertain kids, toys are seen as a way of making kids play and refresh with these imitations of reality. The global toy industry is booming with each day. Children’s toys include baby dolls, dummy cars, toy buses and any other object which may mimic reality. However, some toys are manufactured using materials which may contain hazardous chemicals. Not all toys contain hazardous chemicals, but it is high time that society becomes vigilant in identifying and dealing with hazardous chemicals in toys. According to UN Environment about 25% of children’s toys contain hazardous chemicals. Children are very vulnerable due to their quick metabolic rates.

Phthalates, plasticisers and brominated flame retardants have been found in selected toys. These are mainly used to ensure flexibility, durability and longevity of plastics. According to UN Environment and Peter Fantke from DTU Denmark, over 419 chemicals are present in some plastic toys whilst 126 can potentially cause harm to children.

In developed regions such as the Europe there are now labelling schemes which require labelling of toys in order to ensure that customers are aware before making purchasing decisions. 

Ventilation of children’s rooms is necessary in order to prevent greater toxicological effects and high level inhalation of the aforementioned chemicals. Parents are recommended to take greater caution in buying toys, as what could be considered as love could be a silent killer. Be warned and do your research on safe toys.  The Green Business Gazette cannot name individual chemicals and toys where they are found, but at least, it paves way by informing parents of the silent epidemic.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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