Protect children from exposure to lead in metal and plastic toys, especially imported toys, antique toys, and toy jewelry. Childhood lead poisoning is
100% preventable
. Many children get toys and toy jewelry as gifts during the holiday season.
How dangerous is lead in toys?
Although lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell,
exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health
. Young children tend to put their hands, toys, or other objects―which may be made of lead or contaminated with lead or lead dust―into their mouths.
Can you get lead poisoning from toys?
Protect children from exposure to lead in metal and plastic toys, especially imported toys, antique toys, and toy jewelry. Childhood lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Many children get toys and toy jewelry as gifts during the holiday season.
How can I tell if my toys are lead?
The only accurate way to test a toy for lead is
by a certified laboratory
. Do-it-yourself kits are available. However, these kits do not indicate how much lead is present and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead has not been determined.
Is there lead paint on toys?
Lead may be found in the paint on toys which
was banned in the U.S.
but is still widely used in other countries. Lead may also be found on older toys made in the U.S. before the ban or antique toys and collectibles passed down through generations.
Can you get lead poisoning from touching lead?
Touching lead is not the problem.
It becomes dangerous when you breathe in or swallow lead
. Breathing It – You can breathe in lead if dust in the air contains lead, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
When did they stop putting lead in toys?
Although banned in
1978
, it continues to be a hazard in 25% of U.S. homes with kids under age 6. However, about 30% of the childhood lead poison cases followed by the CDC are not caused by paint.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
The greatest risk is
to brain development
, where irreversible damage can occur. Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness and death.
What kind of toys have lead?
Many children get toys and toy jewelry as gifts during the holiday season. Some toys, especially imported toys,
antique toys
, and toy jewelry, may contain lead. Although lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell, exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health.
What products still contain lead?
Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including
paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition and cosmetics
.
Do lead levels go down?
Since lead was banned in gasoline and residential paint,
average blood levels of lead have dropped dramatically in the United States
. In children, lead levels of 5 micrograms or more per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood are known to be hazardous. Recent studies suggest that even lower levels may be harmful.
Are Chinese toys toxic?
National officials blocked 248 models of toy (likely tens of millions of units) from sale so far in 2019 after tests revealed
illegal levels of toxic chemicals
. Of these, 228 (92%) were categorised as “serious risk”; 219 (88%) came from China; and 127 (51%) were contaminated with phthalates, a plastic additive.
Can lead be absorbed through your skin?
Some studies have found
lead can be absorbed through skin
. If you handle lead and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you could be exposed. Lead dust can also get on your clothes and your hair.
Is lead poisoning reversible?
There is no way of reversing damage done by lead poisoning
, which is why pediatricians emphasize prevention. But a diet high in calcium, iron and vitamin C can help the body absorb less lead.
Can you touch lead with bare hands?
Touching lead is not the problem.
It becomes dangerous when you breathe in or
swallow lead. Breathing It – You can breathe in lead if dust in the air contains lead, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
