Toxic toys off the wish list.

Question: What is the health risk for children from lead exposure?
Answer: The most significant risk has to do with developmental delays and the impact of lead on brain development, which occurs with very low levels of exposure.

Lead is also hazardous to adult brains. In fact, there is a lot of research here at Hopkins that’s beginning to show that low levels of lead affect adult brains as well as those of children. Johns Hopkins

To ensure you are not giving your child, or even your partner and friends, a high dose of lead with their presents this year, select your holiday gifts with care. Unfortunately lead is invisible, it has no smell or taste, if your child’s toy is painted with lead paint the only way to know is through laboratory testing. Thankfully there are many companies that now market wooden and cotton based products for children. Many of these products are specifically aimed at smaller children as they will probably be mouthing and eating their toys far more than an older child.

The Playstore  has some great options for toxic free toys, including the world renowned and much coveted Melissa and Doug products. These products do tend to retail a little higher than a plastic toy but the peace of mind you get from knowing your child isn’t being subjected to toxins every time they play with their toys, can be invaluable. However, it is also good to know, you can also buy Melissa and Doug products in discount retail stores from time to time.

The CDC issues this warning regarding toys with lead contamination. “Children may be exposed to lead—a well known health hazard.  Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported into the U.S. or antique toys and collectibles passed down through generations put children at risk for such exposure.  To reduce these risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead.

Lead may be used in two aspects of toy manufacturing. 

Paint: Lead may be found in the paint on toys.  It was banned in house paint, on products marketed to children, and in dishes or cookware in the United States in 1978; however, it is still widely used in other countries and therefore can still be found on imported toys.  It may also be found on older toys made in the United States before the ban. 

Plastic: The use of lead in plastics has not been banned. It softens the plastic and makes it more flexible so that it can go back to its original shape.  It may also be used in plastic toys to stabilize molecules from heat.  When the plastic is exposed to substances such as sunlight, air, and detergents the chemical bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms a dust.”

For older children you can still purchase safe products, think stainless steel water bottles, the Sigg line has some very trendy and cool looking designs for their bottles, what a great addition to their lunch pack or just hanging out. Or how about some cool organic hair products, John Masters organics bourbon vanilla and tangerine hair texturizer might make a great gift for an older teen.

Need more ideas? Nubius Organics have some great green or organic gift ideas for everyone, from pre-schoolers to adults, on your holiday list.

Give the gift of health! Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!

Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan

Fontana Chiropractic Evergreen 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com

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