When Toys Can Kill—The Dangers of Lead Paint in Toys
It wasn’t too many years ago when people started to realize that many of our children were becoming ill from lead poisoning. The biggest source of this lead exposure was in cracked and peeling paint in homes built prior to 1978. Before that time, lead paint was used. Exposure to lead can cause irreversible brain damage, behavior problems and, in some cases death. What many parents do not realize is that some toys have lead paint on them, and these are a danger to children.
With the danger of lead paint in toys, what can parents do to help lessen the chances that their child is exposed to danger? The first thing t do is to keep updated on toy recalls. Numerous imported toys have been found to contain lead paint and have been recalled. Knowing what toys are being recalled will help eliminate some of the danger.
The second way to reduce the chance of exposure to toys with lead paint is to research where the toys are manufactured. By purchasing toys made in countries that have a policy regulating lead paint, your chances of buying a lead paint free toy are better. Many of the toys manufactured in China have been found to contain lead paint. It is best to avoid these toys until the problem has been rectified.
Researching various retail stores to see where they receive their toys from will also help reduce the danger of lead paint. Buying from trusted sources can help a parent provide safe toys for their children.
Various kits for testing lead content are sold inexpensively. If your child has painted toys, investing in a test kit and testing each toy for lead paint could help prevent lead poisoning. Older toys from thrift shops and yard sales should especially be tested as they may have been manufactured before lead paint regulations were in place. Any toy with cracked or peeling paint should immediately be disposed of.
Children naturally put things in their mouths. This is one of the reasons It is so important to make sure all toys are free of lead paint. Taking the time to research the toys you plan on buying and testing those your child already has may end up saving your child’s life. Kids toys should give them pleasure, not illness. Check your child’s toys today.