Are bisphenol A alternatives in toys safe for children?

What's actually in it

When manufacturers remove Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic toys, they often replace it with other chemicals known as bisphenol analogues. These are chemicals with a similar structure to BPA. They are used to keep plastic flexible or durable, but they don't stay locked inside the toy.

Because children often put toys in their mouths or handle them for long periods, these chemicals can move from the plastic into a child's body. These alternatives are not necessarily safer just because they aren't BPA.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol used advanced modeling to track how children are exposed to these chemicals through toys. The peer-reviewed research found that children face exposure to both BPA and its chemical alternatives when playing with these plastic items.

The science shows that simply swapping one chemical for another in the same family doesn't eliminate the risk. The study highlights that these alternatives are present in toys and contribute to a child's total chemical load.