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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: neonwarrior on December 23, 2021, 09:57:30 PM

Title: Smelly old plastic toy
Post by: neonwarrior on December 23, 2021, 09:57:30 PM
Hello everyone,

Why an old (probably 40 years old) plastic toy still has a smell? Is it safe??

The toy is a 12 inches long plane .

It has parts with different colors: red, blue and yellow.

Some parts are hollow and a bit flexible (the wings, the tail fin and the pilot).

PS: My fear are phtalates but I don't know the smell.

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Smelly old plastic toy
Post by: rolnor on December 24, 2021, 04:44:48 AM
Its more likely monomers from the polymer(the plastic material) that smells. These compounds can have strong smell and the amount from the plane is probably not dangerous. Its possible you can get rid of it by treating the toy with ozone.
Title: Re: Smelly old plastic toy
Post by: jeffmoonchop on December 24, 2021, 04:10:21 PM
When did they stop putting lead in paint?
Title: Re: Smelly old plastic toy
Post by: rolnor on December 25, 2021, 03:44:01 AM
Lead does not smell?
Title: Re: Smelly old plastic toy
Post by: jeffmoonchop on December 25, 2021, 07:23:37 PM
Was just thinking of what else might be harmful in an old toy. Not pointing to the smell.