Making Toys Overseas: At What Cost?
With Mattel's ongoing and expanded toy recall hitting the front pages today, and the heightened awareness about lead paint finding its way from China to our homes, how can we possibly be sure that the toys we're giving to our children are safe?
Safety4Kids expert, and a member of the SeeMore's Playhouse Safety Council, Carl Baum, MD, is director of the Center for Children's Environmental Toxicology at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH). He has this to say on the subject:
"First of all, I'm relieved that Mattel and other toy companies have recalled the toys, and I applaud them for taking that important, essential step; but I am also, of course, disappointed that this happened at all. We all know doing business overseas a matter of economics, but the question we must ask now, is 'what is really the cost?'
In this country we have worked hard to eliminate lead from our children's environments. No one disputes the dangers, but these recent recalls send a message of renewed concern to parents everywhere.
What can you do, as a parent, to be vigilant about this? If you feel that your child might have come into contact with a lead-based paint or a questionable substance, call your pediatrician immediately. If your need is more urgent, for instance if you believe your child swallowed pieces of one of his toys, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222".
Dr. Baum also recommends a couple of websites to visit for specific information on this very topic:
The CDC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission not only has information but also photographs of the recalled items, which is essential in helping parents identify the toys in question.
For more information on poison prevention in general, visit Safety4Kids and get important tips for your family.
Safety4Kids expert, and a member of the SeeMore's Playhouse Safety Council, Carl Baum, MD, is director of the Center for Children's Environmental Toxicology at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH). He has this to say on the subject:
"First of all, I'm relieved that Mattel and other toy companies have recalled the toys, and I applaud them for taking that important, essential step; but I am also, of course, disappointed that this happened at all. We all know doing business overseas a matter of economics, but the question we must ask now, is 'what is really the cost?'
In this country we have worked hard to eliminate lead from our children's environments. No one disputes the dangers, but these recent recalls send a message of renewed concern to parents everywhere.
What can you do, as a parent, to be vigilant about this? If you feel that your child might have come into contact with a lead-based paint or a questionable substance, call your pediatrician immediately. If your need is more urgent, for instance if you believe your child swallowed pieces of one of his toys, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222".
Dr. Baum also recommends a couple of websites to visit for specific information on this very topic:
The CDC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission not only has information but also photographs of the recalled items, which is essential in helping parents identify the toys in question.
For more information on poison prevention in general, visit Safety4Kids and get important tips for your family.
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