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EN 71-3 Safety of Toys - Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements

EN 71-3 specifies requirements and test methods for the migration of certain elements from toy materials and parts of toys. The elements of interest include aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium (III), chromium (VI), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organic tin, and zinc. These elements are tested to ensure that they do not migrate from the toy materials in quantities that could be harmful to children.

The relevance of the parameters measured in this method lies in their potential health risks. Many of the elements listed in EN 71-3 are toxic and can cause serious health issues if ingested or absorbed by children. For example, lead and cadmium are known to cause developmental problems and other health issues, while mercury can affect the nervous system. By measuring the migration of these elements, the standard helps to ensure that toys are safe for children to use.

The analytical techniques used to measure the migration of these elements typically involve inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). These methods are highly sensitive and capable of detecting trace levels of elements, making them suitable for ensuring compliance with the stringent limits set by the standard. The process generally involves immersing the toy material in a simulated gastric solution to mimic the conditions in a child's stomach, followed by the analysis of the solution to determine the concentration of the migrated elements.

In industrial applications, compliance with EN 71-3 is crucial for manufacturers of toys and children's products. For example, companies producing plastic toys, painted wooden toys, and metal toy parts must ensure their products meet the migration limits specified in the standard. This involves regular testing and quality control measures to monitor the levels of hazardous elements in their products. Additionally, manufacturers of toy coatings and paints must also adhere to these standards to ensure that their products do not contribute to the migration of harmful elements when applied to toys.

Overall, EN 71-3 plays a vital role in safeguarding children's health by regulating the permissible levels of hazardous elements in toys. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure their products are safe for use, thereby gaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory requirements in the European market.

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Sources

  • EN 71-3 - Safety of Toys - Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements

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