Lead-Tainted Toys
Are your kids’ toys free of lead? Over 300,000 American children aged 1-5 years are at risk of lead poisoning which can lead to intellectual and behavioral deficits. (CDC MMWR Weekly, May 27, 2005) WSLS TV found that several toys from the local dollar store (100 Yen shop in Japan and 2 Dollar store in Singapore) had dangerous levels of lead.
- Green paint on a bracelet with a child’s prayer on it had five times the allowed level of lead.
- Paint on a a butterfly necklace had 19 times the amount of lead allowed.
- Beads on a green bracelet with plastic gemstones had 15 times more the allowed amount.
They offer this advice:
- Avoid jewelry that is not labeled as made with a precious metal.
- Be wary of jewelry with a dull gray finish.
- Shiny, plated jewelry can provide some protection, but the coating can wear off.
As for me, all those goodies at the dollar store are now off limits to my toddler no matter how tempting they might seem.
ETA: Tammy has some more useful information at The Jewelry and Beading Blog.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: News and Links about Children's Things
2 opinions for Lead-Tainted Toys
Qadira
Jul 1, 2005 at 8:49 am
I remember going to the dentist when I was in kindergarten, and getting a Ring that was GOLD with a big JEWEL on it. I Adored that ring. I don’t remember the dentist visit at all, what I remember is putting the ring on the edge of the vanity in the bathroom when we went to wash up for snacktime, and forgetting it. And when I went later to look for it, it was gone.
Kids are so prone to losing things, most parents don’t want to invest in expensive baubles. I for one will be a lot more careful about the cheap flashy gizmos I get for them now.
Lei
Jul 2, 2005 at 4:23 am
Sounds like a nice ring! I think it’s pretty obvious those dollar store toys are junk. But the price is certainly right! :P
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: