Comparison of design, materials selection and characterization of pacifiers produced in Brazil

Abstract

Background: A pacifier is an object designed for use by children aged two weeks to around five years old. Although a convenient and an efficient alternative to children sucking their thumb, its use is highly questionable. With the advancement of medicine and technology, harms related to its use were discovered and were related to poor development of the teeth. Furthermore, the use of some industrial raw materials may cause damage to the child's health during the growing process. Method: This study evaluates different models of pacifiers available on the market, taking into consideration the design, materials and attendance to Brazilian Standards. Results: The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the five different models of pacifiers indicates the use of different materials. For models A, B and E, the nipple is basically composed of silicone, while the guard is made of polycarbonate. For model C and D, the nipple is basically composed of natural rubber, while the guard and the ring are made of polycarbonate. For model D and E, however, the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) was also used in composition. For the tensile strength tests, only model C was disapproved. Conclusion: Silicon and natural rubber satisfy the requirements for technical performance. However, this does not take into account hygiene and toxicity as parameters for the selection, which are also important when considering child health.