German expert Ralf Dickman has warned that some toys contain harmful chemicals such as naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen.
Parents should check the game thoroughly before purchasing, keeping in mind that games that emit a pungent odor.
He also stressed the need to keep away from toys that contain sharp edges or corners or parts not well installed as they may pose a danger to young people. For example, a child may swallow unproven parts and risk choking.
Smell
According to previous statements by the German expert Thomas Oberst, the emission of a pungent smell from children's toys is a danger indicator, as it could indicate that the game contains dangerous materials such as nickel or plastics.
Oberst, an expert at the German Technical Inspection Authority in Munich, said the smell of the doll is not a sign of the quality of the game because producers often try to hide the smell of bad industrial materials by adding pungent fragrances that smell like fruit flavors.
The German expert also recommended rubbing the game with any wet handkerchief during purchase, if any color appears in the handkerchief should parents then refrain from buying this toy immediately.
However, Oberst stressed that the odor and scrub tests are not enough to prove the quality of the product and the safety of the child, as toys that do not paint can still contain dangerous materials as well.
The perception of smells varies from person to person, though perfumes often fade from unpacked toys if they remain on display shelves for long periods. The expert pointed out that checking the list of components on the cover is not enough at all to get full information on the components of the game, because manufacturers are not obliged at all to provide a list of materials that make up the game.
The CE marking on the package does not necessarily guarantee the quality of the product as it is an acknowledgment by the manufacturer of its compliance with EU standards and specifications, and of course this may be wrong. Therefore, Oberst recommended that parents check the game cover and check for the seals of independent organizations, such as the GS mark, indicating that the product is subject to safety and quality tests.