Phthalate in children's toys and childcare articles in Croatia

Children's toys are made of artificial material often softened by phthalates. These are synthetic compounds added to PVC as plasticizers for the purpose of improving its elasticity and flexibility. Phthalates can endanger the health of children exposed to their effect by inducing reproductive, hormonal and developmental disorders. The goal of the present study was to determine phthalate presence in children's toys and childcare articles from different sources sold in different areas in Croatia in 2012 and 2013. Diisononyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate were included in the analysis. About 60% of the toys analysed contained plastic; up to 20% had detectible levels of phthalates, 94-96% containing toxic DEHP. Over 60% contained DEHP at concentrations more than 10 times than that permitted, mostly dolls and toy animals. The percentage of toys containing phthalates was higher in 2013 in comparison to 2012. We discuss the availability and similarities in composition of phthalates by comparing our results with reports from other countries.