Why are toys recalled?
The large number of toys that have been recalled is alarming. There are five main reasons for most recalls: – Lead content in paint or materials. – Small super-magnets that may become detached. – Small parts that can become loose and pose a choking hazard for children under three years of age. – Fragile toys that break into sharp pieces creating a laceration risk. – Toys that pose a strangulation risk because of too-long cords or defective construction. Until this year I had never thought about lead or magnet dangers, how can I find out more? The issue of lead in toys is serious. Babies and toddlers who ingest very tiny amounts of lead may suffer serious consequences. We encourage everyone to learn more about lead exposure. It is imperative to find out if children spend time in environments where there is lead paint and take proper precautions. The Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov, The American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org, your child’s physician, and local public health d