19 Million Mattel Toys Recalled/Lead Paint Worries May 25, 2008
Posted by artinshamrocks in Food and Nutrition, New Moms, Toddlers, education, toys.Tags: lead paint, recalls, toys
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Everywhere I look these days, there are toxic toys headlines! Because my cherished new granddaughter is 7 months old and tastes everything and because I believe toys are a child’s tools, I am genuinely concerned. For years we have trusted such companies as Mattel, Playschool and Infantino.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made the following statement: “Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body. Lead poisoning frequently goes unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, coma and even death.”
In my many years of teaching I have seen several cases of children with high lead levels in their blood but lately this seems to be even more serious.
This is what I plan to do:
First, I’m going to visit the Mattel site and others to see exact
lists of what is being recalled.
Second, I’m going to inspect all our toys carefully. Typically
lead paint doesn’t become
a hazard until it wears or flakes off. I want to be sure she
doesn’t have any of the toys on the lists.
Third, we are all washing our hands, toys and household
surfaces more often.
Fourth, I might consider having my granddaughter’s blood
tested for lead. I’m certainly going to ask the pediatrician
about it. The risks are the greatest when children are under
the age of 6.
Fifth, I’m going to eye my home and my granddaughter’s
home with a more critical eye.
Many homes built before 1978 have lead based paint on them.
This also goes for heirloom cribs, bassinets, and play pins.
Local health departments can help
homeowners who want to test their homes for lead.
Finally, I’m going to ensure that my grandchild have enough
calcium in her diet. Eating a healthy diet is extremely
important. And I’m going to continue to research and read all I
can on this subject.
