Toxic toys

Toys are supposed to fun, safe, cute, cuddly and educational, right? Maybe not. Buyer beware.

With so many toys that were made in China and other foreign countries recalled, parents are understandably concerned, especially with 80 per cent of toys in the U.S. market being manufactured in China.

It’s the potentially harmful levels of lead that have created the greatest concern. Lead has been linked to language impairment, memory loss, attention deficiency and decreased manual dexterity.

In a study by the University of Beijing in 2004, it was discovered that 34 per cent of children living in China had blood lead levels exceeding the World Health Organization limits. Lead paint is often used in toy manufacturing because it dries faster and speeds up production. Also, the paint lasts longer, so it’s often the paint of choice.

Many parents seek toys made in Europe, the United States and Canada this holiday season. Be prepared to spend a little more, but how do you place a price on safety, especially for children?

Bob Eckert, CAO for Mattel Toys, took out a full page ad in major North American newspapers explaining why the company voluntarily recalled certain toys, stating, “nothing is more important than the safety of our children.”

Parents want assurance

Consumers are looking for a system that detects dangerous toys before they come into the country. Parents want to assured of safety standards before the toys hit the shelves. Dangerous materials cannot be spotted by consumers. Hazardous toys and products look just as good as the safe ones.

To keep it in perspective, however, rest assured that of about eight billion toys for sale that are made in China, only about two per cent have been recalled. But how many more are slipping through the cracks?

Toys with small magnets also pose a health threat. If a toddler swallows two or more of these, they may attract each other and perforate or block the intestines, requiring emergency surgery.

So does a parent choose a toy these days? First of all, look for obvious hazards like small parts that can break off and magnets. You can’t detect lead paint with the bare eye, so check to see where the toy is manufactured.

Stay away from second-hand toys with no packaging to check or inexpensive toys that may not meet standards. Although some of the major brands have had recalls this year, it’s still a safer bet to stick to brand-name toys as they’re more likely to check safety criteria.

Internet an excellent resource

Take your time and shop carefully. If you’re a last minute shopper, you are more apt to make a purchase without doing your homework. The Internet is an excellent resource for checking your toy safety, comparing prices and learning about the product and manufacturer. Even if you don’t plan to shop online, take advantage of the consumer research opportunities on the web. Read consumer reviews and compare products.

Check out the return or exchange policy from the store where you make your toy purchases, in case you discover a problem.

Keep your receipts. You will need them for returns or warranties. As for extended warranties on electronics, most consumer advocates do not recommend them. Normally, the new product does not break down within the warranty timeframe.

If you have older children, keep in mind that some of their toys or gifts could pose health threats or choking hazards to babies and toddlers if there are small parts. Also, remove any packaging, plastic bags or packing materials once the gift is opened to avoid the risk of asphyxiation in younger children.

A safe holiday season is a happy one.

Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville