Yes, Breyer horses are designed and manufactured to be non-toxic, ensuring they are safe for play. The products adhere to stringent toy safety regulations, which mandates that materials are free from harmful substances.
Commitment to Toy Safety
Breyer products are developed to meet all requirements set forth by leading toy safety standards, including the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). These comprehensive standards are crucial for guaranteeing the safety and well-being of children who interact with toys.
Understanding Key Toy Safety Standards
When a toy complies with ASTM and CPSIA, it means that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict criteria for chemical content and physical properties.
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ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials): Specifically, ASTM F963 is the "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety." This standard covers a wide range of safety aspects, including:
- Chemical Hazards: Limits on heavy metals like lead and other harmful substances in paints and materials.
- Material Cleanliness: Ensuring materials are clean and free from impurities.
- Flammability: Requirements to prevent toys from being easily flammable.
- Physical Hazards: Addressing potential choking hazards, sharp points, and edges. You can learn more about ASTM standards on the ASTM International website.
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CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): This U.S. law focuses heavily on children's product safety, with key provisions relevant to toy toxicity:
- Lead Content Limits: Strict limits on lead in paint and substrates of children's products.
- Phthalates Restrictions: Bans on certain phthalates, which are chemicals sometimes used to soften plastics but can be harmful.
- Third-Party Testing: Requires children's products to be tested by CPSC-accepted laboratories. More information is available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
What This Means for Breyer Horse Collectors
The adherence to these robust safety standards provides peace of mind for parents and collectors. It ensures that the materials used in Breyer horses, including the paints, plastics, and any other components, are non-toxic and safe for their intended use. This commitment extends to every product distributed, reflecting a priority on a child's health, safety, and happiness.
