Toxic Toys and Other Lead Dangers

When we shop for toys for our children we generally assume that so long as it is age appropriate it is safe. Who would guess that a toy on the store shelf could contain things like toxins or lead? Young children are the ones who play with toys the most. Babies and toddlers are known to put all sorts of things in their mouths, especially toys. Because of this they are at a higher risk for lead poisoning than older kids who do not mouth objects are.

Lead is like a metal. It is derived from the earth and used in many things. Paint is one of those things. When a toy is painted with a lead paint it becomes toxic. Children who put the toy into their mouths will get traces of lead in the mouths too. A couple of years ago there were many recalls pertaining to toys that were made in China. Just recently there have been more.

How do you know if the toys your child plays with daily are safe? The first thing to do is to check the warnings and recalls. You can type "toy recalls" into your browser and a list of toy recall sites will be displayed. You can also go to the toy makers website and check for recalls of their products. If you discover that you have some of the toys that are listed it is best to throw them away. Don't give them away! That puts someone else's kid at risk.

If some of the toys your child has are no longer being made there may not be recalls for them even if they do contain lead. If they've been made in China there is a good chance that the paint used on them could be lead paint. If the paint is cracking or chipping the chance is really good chance that it is and it may be a good idea to get rid of them.

Lead testing kits are available at most hardware stores or online. Type "lead testing kits" and a page will display containing several links on where to get them. If you fear that your child's favorite toy may be coated with lead paint you can test it. Maybe it is and maybe it's not. The only way to know for sure is by testing it.

Lead paint was used on a lot more than toys. Way back when the only kind of paint available was lead paint. The walls in homes built before the sixties could possible have layers of lead paint underneath the fresh layers. When the paint peels, cracks, and begins to chip it may be a lead danger. A lead testing kit can tell you for sure if the paint in your home is lead based or not. If it is then call a professional to remove it. Watch little ones closely as they like to put all sorts of things into their mouth, not just toys. A baby who consumes lead paint chips could get lead poisoning.

Pencils have pencil leads. They write wonderfully but can be toxic if eaten. Never put anything past a young child. A toddler who is just learning to write may likely put a pencil in their mouth. Pencil leads can also be toxic if a sharp lead punctures the skin. If this should occur and the lead breaks off in the child's skin it is best to go to the emergency room. Even if you remove the lead itself traces may still remain.

Lead is a dangerous thing when consumed or otherwise put into the body. Your doctor likely will do a lead screening test on your child each year. In the mean time keep the risk minimal by checking product and toy recalls, and by testing anything that you suspect may be painted with lead paint. You can teach older children to never run with pencils to prevent leads from puncturing their skin, and keep them away from children under age four. Thanks for reading and take care!