Survey of Chemical Substances in Consumer Products, No. 85 2007 – A mapping of products and material used within live role-play

A mapping of products and material used within live role-play

Introduction

During the past years, live role-playing has become an increasingly popular hobby among children and youth.

When performing role play, equipment is used that is ready-bought or is home-made by the role players. This equipment may comprise weapons, suits, artificial noses/ears, masks, etc.

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has requested a survey of the range of products that are marketed for live role-playing, including which kind of materials are used in the production of equipment, the extension of use in Denmark and which substances children and youth are exposed to during manufacture and play.

This report comprises a mapping of the materials and ready products that are marketed and used in role playing. Furthermore, a survey was conducted of the methods and procedures used in youth centres in order to map the possible problems arising when producing your own role-play equipment.

The overall aim of the project is to get an overview of the types of role-play equipment used and the content of dangerous substances in these and whether these could pose a risk to peoples’ health – An evaluation of the health risks as such is not an aim of this project. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency will consider the need for such a study on the basis of the present report.