Q. What does lead exposure mean?

A. Most children have some amount of lead in their blood, and are exposed to lead through the environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even low levels of lead are dangerous, especially for young children.

Q. What are the most common sources for lead poisoning?

A. According to the National Institute of Health, one of the most common sources for lead poisoning is lead based paint in older homes. When it chips and peels off, it is even more dangerous. Other common sources include contaminated soil and mud, drinking water, some glazed pottery and metal jewelry. Lead based paint on toys is also a source of danger, especially for young children who tend to chew on toys.

Q. What are the “safe” levels of lead?

A. There is no defined level of lead which is said to be safe. Even low levels of lead may lead to lower IQ scores.

Q. What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

A. According to the AACP, “a child with a blood lead level at 10 – 20 micrograms/dL may not exhibit any symptoms at all, yet the lead may change brain development to cause lower IQ scores or behavioral problems later in life. At higher blood lead levels, generally above 40 micrograms/dL, symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, agitation, lethargy, and even seizures.”

Q. How do you test your child for lead exposure?

A. It’s difficult to identify exposure to lead. Sometimes very low levels of lead do not cause visible symptoms, though it may work in the background and cause slower brain development or behavioural problems. If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead, you can have a simple blood test done after consulting with your physician.

Q. What do you do if your child’s toy is lead painted?

A. First of all, take away the toy from your child. Do not allow your child to put the lead painted toys in his/her mouth. Lead paint is dangerous especially if swallowed. If the paint is peeling or chipping off, it’s time to be concerned because some of it may have found it’s way into your child’s stomach. Get your child tested for lead exposure if you are worried this may have happened.

Educational toys are an important part of a toddler’s life. They teach a little boy or girl about colors, sounds, letters, motion, and friction. They can also inspire a child’s creativity. Yet, it’s also important that toys be safe so that children do not get hurt while playing.

The Risks
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 191,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in the year 2000 alone. The figure includes some 70,000 toy-related injuries to pre-schoolers. As a result, fire and safety experts have put together some tips for keeping children safe at play.

Check the Label
As a parent, you need to check for markings indicating that toys—especially any sort of ride on toys, like the popular Dora The Explorer ride on toy — have been safety-tested by an independent, third party product safety organization, such as UL. A UL mark on a toy means that the product has been thoroughly tested by UL engineering staff and found to meet all relevant safety requirements.
Look for the Age Designation
Chances are the toy you are considering purchasing has a marking such as “age 3 and up” or “age 2 and up.” If your child is only a year-and-a-half, it’s best to stay away from such toys for safety’s sake. The toy could contain small parts that might pose a choking hazard for your child.

Look for Warnings
The toy you’re considering may contain a manufacturer’s warning. You need to take the warning seriously. It has been placed there for your benefit—and to protect your child from harm. Also, be sure to read any instruction booklet that comes with the toy.

Be Sure to Clean Up
You should immediately throw out any plastic packaging and gift-wrapping after a toy has been opened. This is because such materials can represent a suffocation hazard. Also, be sure to inspect the toy for possible cracks, breaks, or ripped seams which could pose a danger to your child. Keep in mind that sharp edges can lead to painful cuts for children. If a toy must be assembled, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.

Article by:
Michelle O’Connor