Consumer protectionists warn of high nickel values in children’s toys. According to an investigation by Federal Office for Consumer Protection and food safety, too much nickel was found in about one fifth of metal toys studied. This is clear from authority’s annual report. The metal can cause allergies, which is why re is a legally prescribed limit. According to Federal Office, approximately one in ten children react with itching, redness or rash on m.
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At 75 of 353 examined toy samples, nickel content was refore above legal limit value. In case of a single metal construction kit, content was more than 200 times higher than limit value. According to authorities, decisive factor is not total concentration in toy, but amount of nickel that is released during play – for example, through contact with moist hands. The current values, however, are “clearly too high,” said Gerd Fricke, head of department at Federal Office and responsible for consumer health protection.
Manufacturers and importers had not fulfilled ir duties in recent years, said Fricke. Already in year 2012 Federal office has analyzed metal toys on nickel in an investigation. At that time, proportion was above permissible value for every fourth toy. Metal construction kits were also particularly noticeable.
Toy industry refers to short skin contact
The Federal office classifies high shares in metal building blocks as particularly critical. It should be assumed that a longer skin contact exists when playing with metal and model kits. “The manufacturers of metal toys must finally take effective measures to reduce nickel content in ir products,” Fricke said.
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The German association of Toy Industry (DVSI) rejected criticism. The industry association pointed out that nickel limit values refer to objects in which re is a long-lasting skin contact. “But toy is not a stud and no glasses,” said DVSI managing director Ulrich Brobeil. If nickel is present in axis of a model car, it usually has a short skin contact. Neverless, some manufacturers would now dispense completely with nickel. “Toy safety is top priority.”
The Consumer protection authority regularly checks wher any undesirable substances are contained in German foodstuffs and consumer products. In an annual report y mainly examine food – but also products that come into contact with food, or cosmetics and toys are examined.
