NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Plastic used in some used toys does not follow the latest safety rules and may pose a risk to children's health, a recent medical study warned.

Scientists examined 200 used plastic toys in nurseries, homes and shops selling old objects in South West, England, in search of nine dangerous items.

There were 20 games containing the nine complete materials, some of which were large enough to be in violation of European safety standards.

However, experts said it was difficult to identify the risks.

Dr Andrew Turner of Plymouth University, who led the research team, said: "The LEGO plastic box game, best known in the 1970s and 1980s, represents the big failure."

"The games these days have not been subjected to any tests and we use them now and we offer them to those who follow us."

Chronic poison

Dr. Turner and his team used high-energy x-ray (X-ray) technology to analyze a number of games, from cars and trains to cubics and plastic numbers, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.

All games were small to the extent that children could chew.

The researchers found a high concentration of hazardous elements including antimony, barium, bromine, cadmium, chromium, lead and selenium.

This substance can cause chronic poisoning if children are exposed to it for an extended period of time even if its concentration is low.

Chronic poisoning is a state of poisoning caused by frequent and continuous intake of doses of toxic substance over a long period.

If children put these toys in their mouths they may be exposed to higher levels of these chemicals.

Dr. Turner conducted a separate analysis of some 26 of these games to find out how well they are in line with the limits laid down by the European Council's Games Safety Steering Directorate.

Ten of them failed to pass the test because they had very high levels of bromine, cadmium or lead.

The red, yellow and black plastic games are the most damaging.

"The plastic games used are an attractive option for families because they are a direct heritage from friends and relatives, or cheaply priced and easily accessible from charity stores and online," said the team leader.

But he said the new regulations did not cover recycling or reselling old games.

"More attention can be paid to the potential risks associated with the old, shiny, small plastic toys that a child can put into his or her mouth," Turner said.

"Cadmium is a carcinogen, and should be avoided if possible because of its chronic effect," said Professor Andrew Waterson of the University of Stirling, who did not participate in the study.

He explained that these games used, especially of certain colors may be dangerous, but it will be difficult to measure it.

"The cautious approach to selling them will be wise," he said.

"Risk Assessment"

Mark Gardiner, of the Chartered Institute of Trade Standards, said: "Any commodity being bought used does not have the same safety assurances."

"Parents should appreciate these risks, especially when giving their children very old toys, and they may also have deteriorated mechanically over time."

"If games are already a threat to children," Gardiner said, "if they can be pulled out of the market."