High Levels of Lead Found in Toys
Toys sold by big companies like Mattel and Disney have been found to have high levels of lead, according to a new report by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a research and advocacy group that works to protect consumers from toxic chemicals. CEH tested 250 products sold at major retailers such as Sears and Wal-Mart and found that 7 items contained lead levels that exceed federal safety standards.
The products found to have high levels of lead are:
The most disconcerting part of this new report is that it comes after a new law passed by Congress last year that sets strict limits on lead and chemicals in products for children ages 12 and under. That law was prompted by a series of major product recalls of toys tainted with lead. Which makes a parent think, "When will kids' products finally be free of lead and other toxic chemicals?"
I don’t think we will ever be free of lead in our lives, especially in children’s toys. It’s unfortunate that greed, the bottom line, makes the decision for companies. Can’t lay the total blame on the overstuffed CEO’s. Stockholders are to blame too.
I’ve decided not to buy any plastic toys this Christmas. Maybe if we boycott toys (most of them made in China) we can change the current manufacturing processes, enforce existing laws and force the industries involved to be better watchdogs. Bare wood here we come!
Don’t despair! I’ve recently discovered solid wood (sustainably harvested) toys -with or without beautiful lead-free paint- made in Vermont, USA: Maple Landmark toys and games. Check their website (just maplelandmark.com), I think you’ll be impressed. Lead-free and made in USA!
My hubby is Union and we are really conscious about what we buy everything from food to toys we buy as much as we can from companies in the USA and it is tough to find stuff made in the US…Etsy.com is an awesome site for handmade items,not all, but a majority are made in the USA and many by families enduring tough times in todays economy another site is craftsburykids.com – I have gotten the most fabulous dolls and playthings for my 3 little ones – gorgeous lead-free items that also help support another family (and enhance child time) – what could be better?
It’s not just plastic toys – it’s the paint on some wooden toys too. And it seems to be never ending…