Survey of chemical substances in consumer products, 68 – Mapping of perfume in toys and children's articles

Mapping of perfume in toys and children's articles

2 Contents of the project

This report presents an introduction to allergy and sensitivity in chapter 3, and chapter 4 gives an introduction to fragrances.

The project consists of 3 phases with the following overall content:

Phase 1: Preparation of a list of products containing fragrances and which are intended for children aged 0-10 years

Through contact to distributors, suppliers and importers and via Internet searches, a screening of the market for products containing perfume has been carried out (chapter 5).

Based on the results from the first phase, 18 products have been selected for a qualitative GC-MS screening analysis.

Phase 2: Introductory investigations of perfume substances

In phase 2, a qualitative GC-MS screening analysis was carried out with primary focus on fragrances. This screening forms the basis for the selection of 10 of the 18 products for the tests in phase 3 (chapter 6).

Phase 3: Quantitative and semi-quantitative analyses and exposure tests

In phase 3, tests and quantitative accredited analyses of the content of perfume substances on the EU list of sensitizing substances and other environmentally alien substances were carried out.

The tests comprise both content analyses and migration/emission tests (chapter 7).

Phase 4: Exposure scenarios and assessment of health conditions

Chapter 8 sums up the data for evaluation of health conditions when using the products. These data are used in chapter 9 for an evaluation of any health problems when playing with the tested products. Realistic worst-case scenarios have been prepared for children's exposure to selected ingredient substances in the analyzed products and the results have been compared with the present NOAEL values or estimates hereof.

In chapter 10, the results of the project are discussed and recommendations are made on precautions for the consumers to take when using toys and children's articles that contain perfume.