With
the holiday season right around the corner, many warnings are being released
regarding the purchase of children’s toys. After the major Mattel recall made
in 2007, where over 900,000 toys were recalled, the CDC is reminding adults to
use caution when purchasing children’s toys. In a recent news release, the CDC
reminds consumers of the health hazards associated with lead and other toxins.
Lead
is a colorless and odorless gas which can be found in the paint and/or plastic
of toys; and it can be nearly impossible to detect being that it is invisible
to the naked eye. A child can be exposed to lead simply from normal handling of
a product. Being that children’s nose, mouth and ears are in close proximity to
these toys, it makes lead paint and/or dust exposure easy.
Although
lead poisoning can sometimes be hard to detect, and many people may have high
amounts of lead in their blood without showing any symptoms, there are many
symptoms to look for in children that may indicate exposure to lead. Signs and
symptoms of lead poisoning in children may include the following: irritability,
loss of appetite, weightlessness, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting,
constipation, and learning difficulties.
Being
that the only way to be positive a child was not exposed to lead, is a blood
test, physicians advise that children see their doctor for a test if they come
in contact with a recalled toy.
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Learn more about lead and it's health effects at:
To learn about the Mattel recall of 2007, visit:
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