Parents know how to protect children from dangers like
small toys that can be choking hazards and dangling, frayed
electrical cords that can cause shock. But what about the
dangers you can't see, like lead in the paint of brightly
colored blocks or the chemicals in a plastic sippy cup? Here
are the latest toy safety guidelines you should be aware of.
Toxic Toys: Get the Lead Out
According to George W. Shannon, MD, a family physician in
Georgia who is on the board of directors of the American
Academy of Family Physicians, parents should be most
concerned about protecting their children from paint that
contains lead. "The government agencies that help us in the
U.S. can supervise overseas manufacturers, but you may
want to avoid buying toys [made] overseas because lead
paint can be a problem," warns Dr. Shannon.
New rules from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) are further cracking down on products that contain
lead, especially limiting the amount of lead that's
permissible. A new law is requiring that U.S. toy makers
and importers certify that kids' products meet the stricter
safety rules and the ban on lead. But beware of thrift stores
and consignment shops that resell older toys: They aren't
required to give the same certification. You might also want
to throw out any older toys in your home, especially those
with chipping paint.
Shannon says the symptoms of lead poisoning can include
nausea and vomiting, lethargy, failure to thrive, stagnant
weight, and loss of appetite. "This may evolve over weeks
or even months," he says. "The most important thing is to
be suspicious. And if you decide to take your child to the
pediatrician , bring the suspected toy with you."
Toxic Toys: Better Plastics, Please
There's been a lot of concern and government investigation
into toys and baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA), a
chemical compound used in the manufacturing of many
plastic items. The debate is over whether this substance
has developmental effects in children. The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration claims its regulated products
containing BPA are safe. However, it has also formed a new
BPA task force to do more research.
Another substance that has sent up some red flags are
phthalates, a group of chemicals included in a variety of
products, such as toys made of flexible polyvinyl chloride
plastic (PVC). The CPSC tests for these substances; if you
are unsure about a toy, visit their Web site for a list of all
toy-hazard recalls dating back to the 1970s.
Toy Safety: Flame Retardants and Pesticides
Flame retardants, also known as polybrominated
diphenylethers (PBDEs), are currently under investigation
by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency due to reports
that these substances can become toxic to humans. But
Shannon notes that many flame retardants can be removed
from children's products, like stuffed toys, with repeated
laundering.
Pesticides can also be potentially toxic to children. They
are known to decompose quickly, but can remain in stuffed
toys that have been sprayed or dragged around outside in
the yard. The Children's Environmental Health Institute
suggests a variety of alternatives to using standard
pesticides , including organic and less toxic options such as
insecticidal soaps, and keeping your yard and home cleaner
to prevent pests.
It takes vigilance and some common sense to keep your
baby safe from toxic toys. Staying up to date on efforts to
improve toy safety will give you peace of mind.