This week, Fisher Price and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of nearly one million toys due to possible lead contamination.

The recalled Fisher Price toys include Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, and other children’s favorites. All contaminated products were manufactured in large factories in China. This isn’t the first time China has had issues with contaminated and toxic toys (not to mention seafood, toothpaste, dog food, and other consumer goods). In June, 1.5 Million Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends wooden railway toys were recalled due to high lead traces. The problems associated with mass production in China are another story for another time. For now I’d like to focus on lead and how it can be avoided in your children’s toys.

Lead is considered so dangerous because it is what scientists and toxicologists refer to as a, “cumulative toxin.” In other words, as time passes and a child is exposed to continuous lead contamination, the lead simply sits in the body . . . accumulating for years. Upon the first signs of lead poisoning—paralysis in hands and legs, neuropathy, and degenerative brain disease—it is already too late—the damage irreversible.

One of the best ways to avoid lead contamination is to give your children organic toys. There are so many great organic baby and children’s toys to choose from. For example, check out these adorable Organic Maple Farm Animals. They’re sweet, durable, and come in a little carrying bag . . . perfect for trips. Or what about Organic Fred, this little monkey in his funny white coat. I still can’t figure out if he is supposed to be a hippie doctor or just a monkey with style. With so many organic toy choices there’s really no reason to waste your time, money, or worry giving your child anything that could be dangerous . . . let alone toxic.

Posted on August 4th, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski