Assessment of bisphenols in children's toy and baby products in the Middle East

A major concern from the scientific community has been raised since evidence of Bisphenol A (BP-A) can leach out from the products where they are incorporated as well as its endocrine disrupting effects observed in animals and humans. BP-A and several related chemicals such as Bisphenol AP (BP-AP), Bisphenol B (BP–B), Bisphenol S (BP–S), Bisphenol AF (BP-AF), Bisphenol (BP–P), Bisphenol Z (BP-Z) were analyzed in this study. BP-A and BP-S were the only bisphenols detected in the samples analyzed in this study. The median (range; mean) concentrations of BP-A found in this study was 321 ng/g (11–200932; 4893 ng/g). The analysis was carried out by sonicating 0.1 g of a cryo-milled sample aliquot in methanol followed by UPLC-MS/MS determination. High concentrations of BP-A were found in several products labeled as BP-A free such as nursing bottles which are particularly problematic from the children's exposure point of view. This study presents the first reliable bisphenols in children's toys and baby products commercialized in the Middle East. There is, however, a need to continue monitoring these compounds, especially in low-cost toys, and the so-called BP-A-free products, which appear to have high levels of target contaminants and can pose an exposure risk for infants and children in the region.