My Little Toxic Toy Box

The last thing any parent wants to worry about is the safety of the toys they give their children. Children are given toys to preserve memories, to comfort, and just because we want to give them toys. The recent reports on lead content in toys and the dangers of types (specifically BPA) of plastics in toys, and just about everything else, is cause for concern because the warnings are frightening. It is a bit bewildering realizing that we have been living with and using products, for however many years, which have been and may still be harmful to our health

Many of us played with “toxic toys” when we were young. We have since grown up to become productive and contributing members of society. As far as we know, that plastic binky we gnawed on and that chipping paint we licked (and loved the flavor of) has not been affecting our health; at least we hope not. There is little we can do now regarding the items we used and loved.

According to Mike Adams, there are "20 things that are more dangerous to children than lead paint.” He lists many items we introduce our children to on a daily basis. After reading the list, you may find the average family (including yours) uses more than 50% of the listed products that not only pose dangers to children, but are dangerous to the family as a whole.

For many, it isn’t practical to storm through your child’s toy box and toss everything into the trash, including that favorite doll (more than likely containing some synthetic fiber that is toxic in some manner), that you searched through six (6) stores for on Christmas Eve. With today’s economy and many children living under poorer financial conditions while still longing for toys, new or used, it is a waste to throw away a “perfectly good toy.” There are also many toys that we grew up with and introducing them to our children has been a dream ever since the day they were born.

A lot of people choose between affordability versus safety when purchasing a toy. Most people never consider safety beyond the age appropriateness for the child. Until now, that has not been a matter of importance. A quick run through the $1 store reveals a lot of really cool and cute toys (let’s not forget affordable), usually made from China. Now, any toy from that country is synonymous with “TOXIC TOY” even when it may not be the case. It will probably be a while before China is able to rid itself of that association. Now that you are aware of the fact toys are not as safe as they should be, what do you do? What can you do?