Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Multi-Technique Quantitative Analysis And Socioeconomic Considerations Of Lead, Cadmium, And Arsenic In Children's Toys And Toy Jewelry, Margot M. Hillyer, Lauren E. Finch, Alisha S. Cerel, Jonathan D. Dattelbaum, Michael C. Leopold

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A wide spectrum and large number of children’s toys and toy jewelry items were purchased from both bargain and retail vendors and analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, and lead metal content using multiple analytical techniques, including flame and furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Particularly dangerous for young children, metal concentrations in toys/toy jewelry were assessed for compliance with current Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC) regulations (F963-11). A conservative metric involving multiple analytical techniques was used to categorize compliance: one technique confirmation of metal in excess of CPSC limits indicated a “suspect” item while confirmation on two …