| |
Analyses of toys
Metals
ALS Scandinavia AB offers determination of migration of certain elements from toys (package E-4). This analysis is accredited, and follows EN-71-3 (Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements). Soluble elements are extracted from the toys using dilute hydrochloric acid under conditions simulating the stomach. The extract is then analyzed. Limit values for the elements included in the standard are presented in EN 71-3.
Package E-4 includes As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Se. This package is suitable for toys where parts and components may come into contact with the mouth. Materials appropriate for testing include plastics, surface layers (paint, lacquer, plastic), paper and textiles.
Phthalates
Phthalates is a group of chemical compounds based on phtalic acid. Phthtalates are mainly used as plasticizers, and are found in several flexible plastic products, e.g. PVC, which may contain up to 50% plasticizer.
Some phthalates (diethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP, dibutyl phthalate, DBP and butylbenzyl phthalate, BBP) are thought to be able to cause reproductive disorders. (Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency)
Toys containing PVC plastic and other products intended for children may contain phthalates. The European commission has banned DEHP, DBP and BBP in toys and childcare products in levels exceeding 0.1%. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) may not be used in levels exceeding 0.1% in toys and childcare products that children can place in their mouths. (Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency)
  Directive 2005/84/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
A guidance document providing some criteria and examples to help identifying those toys and childcare articles or parts of toys and childcare articles which can and those which can not be placed in the mouth by children.
ALS Scandinavia offers determination of plasticizers in toys and other plastic products.
|
|
| |
Scanning electron microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be used for, e.g., monitoring impurities related to disturbances in production processes. SEM has been used for identifying unknown particles in finished products from pharmaceutical and chemical production processes.
Information about the chemical composition of the particles can be obtained by using SEM with EDS (energy dispersive detector). This way, the constituents of various surface coatings can be examined. The instrument can also be used in low vacuum mode, enabling analysis of wood and paper.
Please contact the laboratory for more information about SEM analyses.
|
|
|
|
No password?
