Deadly Playtime: Toys that Can Make Your Child Sick or Worse

Toxic lead in toys? I couldn't believe it when i heard those words on the news. Why would lead even be in a child's toy? I still don't understand that, yet many consumer reports have stated that 35% of toys back in December 2007 contained lead. Back then I was a mother-to-be and the idea of it made me sick. This meant that over 1,000 , and more than likely many more, which were still selling in major retail chains would end up in the hands of innocent victims. So many parents had no idea that such a thing would be contained in something they assumed were safe to give to their little ones.

Out of all of the toys tested, only approximately 20% did not have lead amounts higher than the federal recall standard they used for lead paint. That standard was 600 parts per million, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a level of 40 parts per million at the most to be allowed in items for children. The affects of lead poisoning are very serious, if not deadly. Poisoning from the substance can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, at extreme levels it causes coma, seizures, and even death. Lead toxicity can affect just about every one of the body's systems and many people don't notice because there aren't obvious symptoms from poisoning.

I myself have come into contact first hand with a product that may contain lead. We purchased a sesame street giggle and roll ball for our baby to keep her entertained. Fortunately she is really too small to handle it very much, which gives me some relief. I searched online in order to find out some information about the product and what I found out was that it is under suspicion for high amounts of lead. This like many products today, was manufactured by Mattel. There are manufacturer websites on which you can find out information about your children's toys and whether or not it is potentially unsafe due to the amounts of lead. Consumers may also check online with the Consumer Action Guide about toy toxicity at http://www.healthytoys.org to see how toys rank for harmful chemicals.

If you suspect that your children's toys may contain too much lead, remove all of the toys, wash their hands thoroughly, go beyond just checking the toys and check for peeling paint which may contain lead, mop up and remove any loose paints or dust from the debris. You can also have a blood test done on your child who is at greatest risk when at the age of 6 years and younger. Consult your child's pediatrician about having this test performed. Making sure that your child has a well rounded diet and the correct iron and calcium levels can also help to prevent lead poisoning. Having deficiencies in these minerals can cause the body to absorb more lead when exposed. There are many other measures as parents that we can take to reduce our children's risk of lead poisoning, our health care providers are key in becoming informative, safe parents. This information has made me realize that you can never be too concerned or careful as a parent.