Okay, here goes...
Not that long ago, the first alerts regarding “tainted” toys from China made the news. Many parents, rightly so, were outraged. How could a toy, made for a child, contain lead in the paint? Good question. Let’s all ponder it.
As the days have turned to weeks, more and more toys are being recalled. Sadly, many of these toy recalls aren’t making as much headlines because, let’s face it, toxic lead-tainted toys have made the news repeatedly. There are so many recalls, how can we be sure that our children haven’t been gnawing on a block made from who knows what?
This is one place to start: Us Recall News.
What can you, as the consumer, do? Well, more than you think. Yes, a lot of things are made in China. Don’t believe me? Read the book “A Year Without, Made in China” to learn a bit more on the process. Some things say made in the US or Germany, but contain parts that were made in China.
I realize that all these recalls may mean that you might have to shop differently this Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa season. It may mean you end up paying a bit more for an item, but that can be evened out by not buying as much other "unneeded junk". You know what I mean- stocking stuffers, junk toys, holiday candy and such.
Purchase quality. Purchase safe.
Still, there are items from China that do not contain paint and, as one retailer said “are not a possible toxicity problem.” Will you purchase those toys? If we purchase toys from China that do not contain “a possible toxicity problem,” will the people who make the purchasing decisions pay attention?
If you’re concerned, read the label. Make an informed decision. This article in USA Today says that about 80% of all toys are made in China. EIGHTY PERCENT! It blows my mind to even comprehend that.
If you need some help trying to find safer toys, check out this web site. In order for this problem to be fixed, we need to take appropriate action! Give your business to those who can provide safe and quality items.
Just like nobody wants a fruitcake, nobody really wants lead poisoning, either.
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1 comment:
It just makes me sick - we actually didn't have any problems with recalls until the Fisher Price Blood Pressure Cuff (blue band) was recalled with the highest amounts of lead detected so far! It makes me want to run around our house and throw away all those stupid plastic toys we have. This year there is a GREAT local toy store owned by a local mom. She buys very responsibly and I think that while it may be a little more expensive than going to toys r us or Target, supporting local and knowing where your products are coming from are much more important. The extra cost will also help me not to over buy as I did last year...
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