Heavy metal assessment of some soft plastic toys imported into Nigeria from China

Chinese made toys were analyzed to determine the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co and Mn) in the products. Toy samples were randomly selected from products available in the shops at Zaria, Kano and Kaduna markets in Nigeria. The toy samples were tested for PVC before analysis. After digestion with concentrated acids (HNO3 and H2O2), concentrations of the selected heavy metals were determined in triplicate using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. 75% of the toys samples tested positive for PVC. Concentrations of heavy metals in the toys ranged from 2.50 - 1445.00, 0.50 - 373.33, 31.17 - 119.67, 12.00 - 93.67, 266.67 - 2043.33, 5.00 - 191.67, 1.00 - 73.33 and 6.17 - 36.67 µgg-1, for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co and Mn, respectively. Both PVC and non-PVC toys contain heavy metals but the concentration of these metals in non-PVC toys are generally less than that of PVC toys. The present study reveals that 17% of the toy samples show high concentration (above USFDA limit) of Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and other metals determined; this poses a threat to children exposed to such toys.   Key words: Heavy metal, toys, polyvinyl chloride.