Are volatile substances in new plastic toys dangerous for children?

What's actually in it

New plastic toys are not just solid objects. They are complex mixtures of materials that release volatile substances (chemicals that turn into gas at room temperature) into the air your child breathes. These toys often contain BPA (a chemical used to harden plastic) and various chemical alternatives that manufacturers use to replace it.

Beyond these known additives, toys frequently contain a wide array of unknown chemical compounds. These substances can leach or off-gas from the plastic, meaning your child is exposed to them simply by playing with or handling the toy.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Talanta used advanced technology to identify unknown volatile substances in plastic toys. The research confirms that these products are sources of chemical exposure that are not always tracked or labeled.

When it comes to the chemicals we do know about, such as BPA and its replacements, the risks are significant. A 2026 study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology used modeling to track how children are exposed to these substances through toys. The findings highlight that children have direct, ongoing contact with these materials, increasing their total chemical burden.

Because these substances can migrate from the plastic, the science shows that the toys your child plays with are a constant source of exposure to potentially harmful compounds.