Can chemicals in plastic toys cause eczema in kids?
Possibly. A 2025 study from two birth cohorts linked early-life exposure to phthalates and bisphenols (common in plastic toys) to higher rates of eczema in children.
What's in plastic toys
Phthalates make plastic soft and flexible. Bisphenols make it hard and clear. Both are found in many children's toys, especially cheaper imported ones. Kids put these toys in their mouths, chew on them, and handle them for hours. The chemicals transfer through saliva and skin contact.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Environ Pollut followed children from two birth cohorts, measuring phthalate and bisphenol levels from pregnancy through early childhood. Kids with higher exposure had higher rates of eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
The link to eczema was especially strong for early-life exposure, when children's immune systems are still developing and their skin barrier is most vulnerable.
What you can do
Choose toys made from natural wood, organic cotton, or silicone. Look for phthalate-free and BPA-free labels, but know that replacement chemicals (like BPS) may not be safer. Wash kids' hands after playing with plastic toys. Avoid letting babies chew on plastic toys that aren't rated food-safe.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Phthalates, bisphenols, and childhood allergic Phenotypes: Findings from two birth cohort studies. | Environ Pollut | 2025 |
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