Since the recalls of Chinese-made toys that contained lead, there has been a concern among parents to look for alternatives for their children. There is nothing worse than bringing home a seemingly fun, colorful toy to your child and find out that it contains a toxic material that isn’t safe to be around.
The chemicals in China are not strictly regulated, which is one of the reasons why they end up in the toys. Now you might be wondering what the U.S. does to ensure the safety of the toys. Well, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) follows federal standards for children’s toys. They look at the overall safety such as sharp points and edges as well as the size for swallowing hazards. This safety check also includes lead in paint, but CPSC doesn’t test the toys before they are release to the public. Because of this neglected step, these dangerous toys go out on the market.
In order for one of these lead containing toys, or any hazardous toy for that matter, to be taken off of the market, the toy manufacturers must report any injuries or deaths noted by consumers to the CPSC. Basically, the only way to get a toy removed is to voice your complaints. If you’re a parent, this information is startling.
So how do you find safer toys for you children?
You want to look for toys made from sustainably harvested wood. Also, these items should be covered in safe paints and lacquers. Some companies use beeswax coatings. Wood toys might seem like going back to your childhood, but they are safe and can be eco-friendly depending on where the company gets the wood or how it’s harvested.
Another option is organic cotton toys. These are soft and safe to play with. Or you can opt to present more educational toys for your children such as books and videos, which you can borrow from your local library or a friend.
It’s unfortunate that the toys can’t be regulated more closely, but now that you’re aware, it’s your job to seek out the safer and sustainable options for your children.
