Are older MLP toys still child safe?

[Sparkle Pony]

What got me thinking is I heard someone passively mention that at some point in G1 there was a problem with lead in the paint used in ponies.  I'm not sure if that is true or not, but it got me thinking about the older toys in general and if there were any hazards with them.  I'm aware than one should be cautious with older toys in general, but I'm mostly just wondering about known, confirmed problems with the toys.

[reanna-mator]

It's said that some of the compounds (pthalates, mainly) used in the vinyl plastic might not be safe for kids, especially older plastic as it begins to break down.

I found one page stating that these plastics are safe, but also labeled those who caution against letting kids play with vinyl toys as "environmental extremists" so they seem to have an agenda in claiming that these toys are okay for kids to handle. Of course a toy industry page is going to claim that plastic toys are safe. This is the most reasonable answer I've found:

"The question is being debated. The evidence available so far is based on animal studies, and no extensive, conclusive human study has been conducted. Most experts agree that many findings from the numerous animal studies that have been done may be relevant to humans — and that more research is needed." - http://www.babycenter.com/0_phthalates-what-you-need-to-know_3647067.bc?page=2#articlesection3

[Chi]

This has come up in the past and I believe they'd have to be tested.
However, if 80s kids played with them, I wouldn't be too worried. Am I curious? Yeah.   

[LittleSpiffy]

...although, I guess it depends on the kid.  I know I'm not the only one who's seen those half-eaten ponies pop up every now & then. 

[gabumon]

I'd say no.  I think. The plastic was/is designed to last the expected duration of use, which isn't much beyond a few years for a kid, and not guaranteed after that, esp knowing (as has been said above) that plastic in 80s mlps has been shown to degenerate.

I say go find some G3s or cheap G4s for the kids! (Walmart has the bagged ones again for 3$?)

[Snapdragon]

My concern would be leaking plasticizers, along with the pthalates. Plasticizer is added to plastic to make it soft and malleable, but over time (say, 20 years?) it starts to leech out of toys, and I'd worry about kids who may accidentally get it on their hands by handling the toy then rub their eyes/eat with their hands.

For a kid old enough to understand being careful with toys (which includes careful handling just to be safe), then I'd say go for it, but any kid younger than 5 or so I'd be wary with.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Considering all the other dangerous chemicals that humans are exposed to on a regular basis in today's world, I'd seriously stop worrying about your plastic ponies that make you happy!   

[Sparkle Pony]

Hahaha, I wasn't especially worried, but I was curious about it.  This was some good info!

[sd_dreamcrystal]

Considering all the other dangerous chemicals that humans are exposed to on a regular basis in today's world, I'd seriously stop worrying about your plastic ponies that make you happy!   

I agree with this

[EmBee]

Considering all the other dangerous chemicals that humans are exposed to on a regular basis in today's world, I'd seriously stop worrying about your plastic ponies that make you happy!   

Seriously like a mantra of mine!  I always have to remind myself I can't control everything that I'm exposed to, and using common sense I'll probably be okay.

Yeah, I don't see any problem with kiddies playing with G1s as long as they are of the age not to chew on them.

-Em

[Starfall]

Considering all the other dangerous chemicals that humans are exposed to on a regular basis in today's world, I'd seriously stop worrying about your plastic ponies that make you happy! 

I agree totally!

Plus diet and exercise make a much bigger difference to health than environmental pollutants.

[Snapdragon]

Considering all the other dangerous chemicals that humans are exposed to on a regular basis in today's world, I'd seriously stop worrying about your plastic ponies that make you happy! 

I agree totally!

Plus diet and exercise make a much bigger difference to health than environmental pollutants.

For some reason I thought the OP was mentioning toys in relation to little kids playing with them, whoops! But I will say I hold very similar beliefs (if only because I don't want to give up my ponies, so a little bit of plausible denial serves me very well ), except in the case of kids. Their nervous systems are much more sensitive than an adult's, so a tiny amount or a chemical that might not bug an adult might seriously hurt a kid! So it's better safe than sorry in terms of kids, IMO, but adults should be fine (so long as we don't go around licking ponies)!

EDIT: ... I'm such a doofus ... in the TITLE OP asks if ponies are child safe. I need more sleep!

[Stormness_1]

I personally am pretty careful about what of my toys kids handle - even some g3's are blacklisted due to being plasticizer prone. They can play with G3's and G4's, and they always wash their hands before food... I'm obsessive about hand washing with kids - I know the stuff I got into as a child!

[brightberry]

I wouldn't give a pony to a child I thought might stick it in their mouth.  I think even the modern ones say "ages 3 and up".

Actually, I would probably be hesitant to give any toddler a 2nd hand toy... or anything that hasn't been washed lately.  But that's because babies with tummy bugs are just not any fun to deal with.

[ringlets_]

I'd be careful with little kids that may chew, but otherwise I wouldn't stress about older kids. I agree that there is too much other stuff out there to be too concerned.  (Then again I grew up on a farm and used to run barefoot through the barnyard.)