2. Experimental
2.1. Samples/digestion
Children’s toys/toy jewelry samples labeled ‘‘Made in China’’
were randomly selected/purchased from nationally recognized
bargain and retail chain stores in the Richmond metropolitan area.
Multiples of each toy or jewelry item were attained including low
cost items ($5.00), not available at bargain stores, only purchased from
retail stores. Separate analysis of individual samples representing
multiples of the same toy were reported as an average (Supporting
Information or SI). Toys/jewelry, as received or cut into smaller
pieces, were digested with concentrated HNO3 (Standard Method
3030). To aid removal of coatings, certain samples were stirred
and/or heated during digestion. Acid digestions involving metallic
products/components can be violent and were covered to protect
against analyte loss. Sample digests were subsequently gravity-filtered
(Whatman #43), diluted in volumetric glassware (18 MX
water), and stored in plastic bottles until analysis. Post-digestion
solids were oven dried 24–48 before massing.
2.2. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis
Sample digests were screened for cadmium and lead on a Varian
AA240FS flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FLAAS)
whereas samples were tested for arsenic, cadmium, and lead