Seattle Times did a lead story today on high lead levels in kids' jewelry. I've been following this topic because I work with children, many of whom have developmental problems which could be related to toxins.
The science reporter engaged a local firm to scan 35 items found in both local dollar stores and a more upscale store at the mall near my house with a handheld Niton X-ray fluorescence gun and items that gave a high signal for lead were sent to another local lab for further analysis. The samples were then dissolved in acid and analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Certain innocent-looking dolphin charms were one-third lead, more than 500x the safe level. An angel of "genuine European crystal" was 15% lead. Last year, a Minneapolis boy died of lead poisoning after swallowing a charm that came with a pair of Reebok sneakers — and which was nearly pure lead.
Lead is used in jewelry because it's cheap, particularly in China, and it's harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Kids like to put things in their mouths and absorb lead more readily than adults. Their brains and nervous systems are still developing, therefore vulnerable, and lead exposure is linked to ADD and other disorders.
Adults exposed to lead have increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
The current federal standard only requires voluntary compliance, though legislation to restrict lead further passed the House and is headed to the Senate. Nothing will be done in time for Christmas.
Meanwhile, agencies like Toys for Tots are having to scrutinize and reject some toy donations, and I had to witness the same thing via a nonprofit I'm involved with. Parents are confused, and 80% of American toys currently come in from China. It's easy to blame the Chinese but American companies like Mattel are at fault for putting profits ahead of safety. Parents need to "just say no" and learn to boycott mainstream corporate toys and avoid shady bargains.
I was looking at kid's toys at the store and I think that its way
over 80% from China. Its almost impossible to find a toy that is not made
in China. I found one kid's art set that was made in the US and that was it.
I ended up buying some used wooden building blocks in the interest of avoiding
lead.
Posted by: abbycat | December 21, 2007 at 12:33 PM