What Should a Chemical Experiment Kit for Children Contain?

Toys intended for carrying out chemical experiments pose a significant risk to children. The chemical substances contained therein may lead to dangerous and unpredictable reactions. To decrease the risks and hazards to children’s health, the GOST EN [standard] 71-4-2014 “Kits for Chemical Experiments and Similar Activities” establishes requirements concerning the maximum amount of chemical substances and mixtures (their maximum amounts and concentrations), as well as requirements concerning protective eyewear and equipment:

protective eyewear for children should be included in all chemical kits and crystal growing kits that contain sodium silicate (disodium; dioxido(oxo)silane);

 test tubes intended for heating must be made from borosilicate glass and be heat resistant; they must be at least 110 mm in length and have an inner diameter of at least 15 mm; furthermore, the kit should contain a holder for test tubes and a support that does not overturn;

 test tubes not intended for heating and made from a material different from borosilicate glass must have a length of at least 90 mm and an inner diameter of at least 12 mm;

 reagent vessels must differ from laboratory glassware in shape and size so as to prevent their erroneous use; furthermore, all vessels for reagents, substances, and mixtures must be resistant to impact.