Risk Assessment of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead Concentrations and Microbial Contamination in Different Types of Children’s Play Dough

Abstract

Due to the widespread use of play doughs among children and the ability to absorb heavy metals and transfer contaminants through the skin, it is essential to determine the level of chemical and microbial contamination of these products to provide a clear picture of their quality. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Reference Laboratory of Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran. For this purpose, 12 samples of play dough were examined. A flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in different samples of play dough. Bacterial isolates were cultured in nutrient-rich microbial culture media and then used for phenotypic isolation and differential detection of bacteria. Based on the results, arsenic was observed in all samples and its mean concentration was 0.12 ppm. Cadmium and lead were present in all samples with mean concentrations of 0.06 and 0.12 ppm, respectively. According to the results, heavy metal concentrations did not exceed the threshold in any of the samples, and all concentrations were within the safe range. The results demonstrated that no microbial contamination related to Escherichia coli, coliforms, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, molds, and yeasts was observed in the dough samples. Therefore, play dough products can be used as safe children’s toys in Iran. However, due to the possibility of microbial contamination over time and repeated use, hygiene practices should be taught to children regarding the use of play toys such as frequent hand washing before and after use.

Keywords: Children, Heavy metals, Microbial contamination, Play dough, Risk assessment,