NAIROBI, Kenya – A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed a disturbing truth: many plastic toys may expose children to hazardous chemicals — some linked to developmental delays, hormonal disruption, and long-term health issues.
Released on July 31, 2025, the report reveals that nearly 90% of toys on the global market are made from plastic.
But growing evidence suggests these colorful playthings could be silently harming children.
“Children are particularly vulnerable,” UNEP states. “Their mouthing behavior, combined with low body weight and ongoing developmental processes, leads to higher chemical exposure.”
Among the most concerning substances are phthalates, commonly used to soften plastic.
These chemicals are not tightly bound to the material and can easily leach out through saliva or skin contact.
Also flagged are bisphenol A (BPA) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) — both associated with hormonal interference and developmental harm.
Crucially, UNEP warns that both petroleum-based and bio-based plastics may contain chemicals of concern, debunking the common belief that “eco-friendly” plastic alternatives are always safer.
Recycled Doesn’t Always Mean Safer
Toys made from recycled plastics are not immune either. According to UNEP, the recycling process can transfer hazardous substances — such as brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) — into new products, including children’s toys.
PBDEs have been linked to brain development impairments and are especially dangerous when exposure occurs during infancy.
Studies cited in the report also found toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic, in both new and second-hand toys.
“Vintage and low-cost toys were particularly concerning,” the report notes, referencing global studies where toy samples exceeded safety thresholds by wide margins.
Beyond immediate exposure risks, UNEP outlines long-term consequences, including reproductive toxicity and cognitive decline.
In North America alone, PBDE-related IQ loss and intellectual disabilities are estimated to cost $266 billion annually.
Lack of Regulation Leaves Millions Exposed
While certain regions — such as the EU and parts of North America — have regulations restricting the use of harmful chemicals in toys, many developing nations, including those in Africa, do not.
“Many developing and emerging economies often do not regulate chemicals in toys,” UNEP warns, “leaving millions of children unprotected.”
To reduce risk, UNEP recommends parents opt for certified toxin-free toys or non-plastic alternatives such as organic textiles and untreated wood.
The agency is also urging policymakers to prioritize the issue and implement stronger regulations globally.
Global Push Against Plastics Gathers Momentum
The report’s release comes as African civil society groups ramp up pressure for bold action ahead of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) — where governments are expected to negotiate terms of the first-ever Global Plastics Treaty.
During a virtual briefing on July 24, environmental advocates urged African journalists to amplify the continent’s demand for a strong, legally binding treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics — from production to disposal.
“We have the evidence. We have the momentum. What we’re missing is the commitment to act,” said Merrisa Naidoo, Plastics Programme Manager at GAIA Africa. “Now, more than ever, we need courageous leadership.”
As the world inches closer to an international agreement, UNEP’s warning serves as a stark reminder: the cost of inaction could be measured in poisoned childhoods and generations of preventable harm.
“Playtime should be safe, not toxic,” the report concludes.
