Made in China - Use at Your Own Peril

China is the world's fourth largest country landmass and first in population with a staggering 1.3 billion people. China's overall economy is growing rapidly, but they face almost insurmountable problems in dealing with population growth, economic inequality among their citizens and the inability or unwillingness of the Chinese government to effectively deal with a myriad of issues concerning their production and manufacturing processes.

China exports thousands of products to the US and the world, yet there is no responsible governmental body in China to insure the safety of their manufactured items or foodstuffs. No government oversight coupled with the fact that there are virtually no ethical restraints on attempting to make a profit, no child labor laws, no workers' rights organizations or processes, few environmental rules or regulations and a volatile mix is provided that exposes the purchaser of Chinese made products to unusually high risk.

The recent tragic and well publicized tainted pet food recall that originated from an additive made in China is only a harbinger of the potential problems that are on the horizon for those that purchase food stuffs, machinery or other products that originate or have ingredients from that nation. An examination of recent problems or recalls is illustrative of the potential dangers. Just within the last month the following events have been reported.

Tires manufactured in China have been related to several deaths due to tire separation at high speed and there currently is a recall of 450,000 tires underway. The Hangzhou Zhongce tire manufacturer in China produces several name brands that are sold in the US. USA Today reported, "that in February 2006, Cooper Tire & Rubber recalled 288,000 passenger-car tires from the Chinese maker because they contained "unauthorized material" in the sidewalls. Cooper said that could have caused air leaks and, eventually, tread separation."

Shir Fresh toothpaste produced in China is contaminated with DEG. a poison contained in antifreeze. It has been reported that over 100 people died in Panama as a result of using this product and there presently is a recall of Colgate toothpaste that allegedly is a counterfeit product produced in China that contains the same lethal chemical.

The popular children's toy called "Thomas the Train" is being recalled because it is contaminated with with lead based paints. You guessed it - manufactured in China. Thousands of American children that play with this apparently harmless wooden toy are being exposed to the well known hazards associated with lead based paints.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning all owners of the popular youth all terrain vehicle (ATV) called the Meerkat 50 to cease use immediately and return the vehicle to where it was purchased and demand a refund. Apparently this vehicle can be started in gear, does not have front brakes and has no parking brake. The absence of these basic safety features could make this vehicle potentially deadly.

Gateway computer batteries made in China have been recalled because of the potential for fire and while no injuries have yet been reported there are reports of property damage.

Finally, another note of caution. Recent reporting reveals that as much as two-thirds of the world's supply of vitamin C is produced in China. Apparently they have taken over the market by selling their products below cost and forcing other large pharmaceutical companies out of business or some manufacturers like the giant BASF have developed arrangements with Chinese suppliers. There is no way to tell where the Vitamin C that one purchases at a pharmacy or retail outlet is actually produced.

Keep in mind that these reports are only a portion of the recalls in the last month. It does not take a wizard to put the puzzle pieces together and note that a "Made in China" label ought to engender careful examination. China produces numerous manufactured goods such as tools, farm machinery, motorcycles, scooters and many more products that are enticing because they are inexpensive, however one should consider the many potential dangers that can be caste upon the unwary because of poor workmanship, shoddy construction or the use of dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing or production process.