Metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni) have been used for different purposes in industry. These metals can be found in the colourful components of toys such as clothes. Due to the fact that these metals cause different health problems, the usage of them in industry is still continuing to be regulated strictly. The aim of this study was to investigate the leaching of the above mentioned metals from dresses of toy samples marketed in Turkey. A total number of nine toys manufactured by six different countries were purchased and analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Pb, Cd, Ni and As leached from dresses of samples.The results were as follows: Pb levels were ranged from 0.03 to 1.78, Cd was from 0.37 to 21.11, Ni was from 0.37 to 21.11 mg/kg and As was under the detection limit. According to the measurements, Pb levels of all toy samples were below the levels stated in Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) but one sample’s result was high. Cd and As levels were observed to be far below the threshold limis stated at TSE standard. There is no limit value for Ni in that standard. In spite of international regulations, some of toy samples can include significant amount of metals. These experimental evidences suggest that surveillance on toys for their metal levels should be done regularly for children’s safety.
Keywords: Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Nickel, Toy, Atomic absorption spectrometry.