When you buy a toy this, holiday season, take a moment to think about what else you might be giving your children: arsenic? lead? toxic-flame retardants? An environmental group tested over 1,500 popular toys and found that a one-third of them contain “medium” to “high” levels of chemicals of concern.
The Michigan based Ecology center used x-ray fluorescence analyzers to test for toxins including arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Children’s jewelry was the worst offender for lead, with 15 percent of samples containing more that 600 ppm, the federal standard that would trigger a recall of lead paint. According to the American Academy of pediatrics, 40 ppm is the maximum amount of lead that should be allowed in childern’s products.
"Our hope is that by empowering consumers with this information, manufacturers and lawmakers will feel the pressure to start phasing out the most harmful substances immediately, and to change the nation's laws to protect children from highly toxic chemicals," said Ecology Center's Jeff Gearhart, in a press release.
Recall after recall has been issued for toys that contain toxic chemicals. Last year toy-maker Mattel issued a recall of more than 21 million toys that contained lead paint and small pieces that posed choking hazards.
To avoid the potential risks, give green toys instead. .
Source: Associated Press
Ken O. says:
Just what I wanted! What about the big toys shown here?
http://www.ecomii.com/blogs/car/
Doesn't every car battery contain lead, and every tailpipe emit benzene? =)
Jordana G. says:
Terrah M. has three recommendations for green toy companies -- companies that keep their manufacturing green, their packaging green, and their toys green. Check it out:
http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/the-best-places-to-buy-kid-safe-green-toys/3JTDYZNZQO28PYFBKZJ9CR4ILVUA