[Determination of lead and cadmium concentration in children's toys]

Soluble lead and cadmium in 24 kinds of children's toys were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the concentration of soluble lead and cadmium in the toys which had a paint coating were respectively from 110.3 mg/kg to 5,156.0 mg/kg and from 0.34 mg/kg to 35.50 mg/kg, but soluble lead and cadmium concentration in the toys which did not have a paint coating were very low. This study suggested that the children's exposure to lead and cadmium was mainly from the paint coating of toys, and that the important problem was too high concentration soluble lead in the colouring and varnishing substances. In preventing children's exposure to low lead and cadmium level, the hazards from toys containing soluble lead should be paid attention.