Teethers, pacifiers and nipples pose a health risk to infants according to a recent laboratory test conducted on eight brands of toys by the city-based Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS).

The society tested eight samples of pacifiers, teethers and nipples and found that none of them were free from the three migrated heavy metals, lead, cadmium and chromium, which are regarded hazardous to health even in small amount.

According to laboratory results, the lead content varied in the range of 2.7 to 9.6 ppm (parts per million). In the pacifier category, Nuby Natural Flkex Pacifier was found to contain 5.5 ppm of lead and disney Baby soother & Holder Set contained 5.6 ppm of lead.

Out of three teethers tested by CERS, Mom's & Me Water filled teether had the highest lead (9.6 ppm) and Fischer Price Penguin water-filled teether had the lowest amount of lead (5.4 ppm).

Of the three nipples, Yash Yellow Rubber Nipple was found to contain the highest lead content (4.8 ppm) and Piyu Silicon Rubber Nipple had the lowest lead content at 2.7 ppm. According to CERS, though these figures complied with BIS standards, the presence of lead is not acceptable in infant toys meant for sustained chewing and biting. The toxic metals mix with the saliva and get ingested in the body, CERS said. The samples tested also revealed the presence of cadmium in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 ppm. Cadmium is a nephro-toxin and can damage kidneys, besides causing several types of cancer, abdominal pain and nausea.

Chromium, which is used as pigments in plastics and paints, was also found in the samples tested. The amount of chromium varied from 0.4 ppm to 5.0 ppm. Chromium is also considered toxic alike lead and cadmium.