Analyzing imported toys for possible lead contamination

CHED 1066

Mary Beth R. Lewton, baird@wju.edu, James Coffield, and Michael J Baird, Baird@WJU.edu. Department of Chemistry, Wheeling Jesuit University, 316 Washington Ave., Box 674, Wheeling, WV 26003
Historically, lead has been used in paint as a cost effective method for improving surface adherence and enhancing color. Concerns about lead poisoning, especially in children, has led to strict regulation of lead levels in paints, especially those used in toys. Young children are of particular concern due to their tendency to mouth and chew on toys. Recent recalls of toys manufactured in China due to lead contamination have caused grave concern among consumers. In this project several toys purchased from local department stores and imported from China will be tested for lead using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Methods will be investigated for digestive and extraction of lead from both paint scrapings as well as the whole toy sample. Lead levels will be compared to current regulated limits.