My Take Too: Lead Contaminated Toys Pose Risk To Children

Chew (Photo credit: quinn.anya)

There are so may things in this world that can be detrimental to our health that it seems like we should always be on the look out for risks, but sometimes they come in the unexpected places. For example, recently there have been a spate of recalls of children's toys due to dangerous levels of lead paint despite its use being discontinued in the US for many years. Unfortunately, because we live in a global market, often our goods are produced in other countries and that means that they may not meet the standards we hold in regards to safety.

If toys contain lead or lead paint then they can be dangerous as they expose children to lead. Young children have a habit of putting toys in their mouth and so they risk small amounts of lead getting into their body and if the object contains to much lead then this can be bad. Most children do have a small level of lead in their blood and are naturally exposed to lead on a daily basis. However, even low levels of additional lead can be dangerous especially to very young children.

According to official sources, the worst culprit when it comes to lead poisoning is lead based paint in older buildings because when it chips or peels it can send up dangerous lead dust. Lead can also contaminate soil and drinking water. Additionally, glazed pottery and jewlery may be treated with lead based glaze. However, perhaps the most concerning is the toys with lead based paint. If you suspect that your child has been exposed to such toys then the first step is to take the toy away from your child. If you are concerned about exposure then get your child checked out by a doctor. Children with low levels of lead may exhibit no apparent symptoms, but when the levels are above 40 micrograms/dL the symptoms include abdominal cramps, constipation, lethargy and in the worst cases seizures.