Many Toys Contain Neurotoxins and Chemicals | Phthalates, Lead Paint, Cadmium, Arsenic

Posted By Ina Woolcott

In 1978, lead was apparently banned for use in USA products marketed at children, but that doesn’t stop USA companies from importing lead-laced toys and selling them where they can. Up to 80% of toys sold in the USA are produced in China.

There is also a loophole in the ban that still allows lead to legally exist in children’s’ toys, even those made in the USA, and that is plastic.

The use of lead in plastics has not yet been banned, and as us parents well know that children, babies especially, love putting anything they can get their hands on into their mouths. Children are more susceptible to lead absorption than adults, and even low levels of exposure have been linked to decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased stature and growth and impaired hearing acuity. Therefore their toys must be lead and other chemical free.

Yes, there are also other chemicals you need to be aware of that may be contaminating your childrens toys. Also to be found are

* Mercury, a known neurotoxin that can harm your child’s developing brain. Also to be found in vaccines.

* Cadmium, a known carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium can contribute to fragile bones, kidney disease and lung damage. Not that I agree with them, but, animal studies also indicate that it may lead to high blood pressure, liver disease and nerve or brain damage.

* Arsenic - long term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer. Low level exposure can cause nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, decreased production of red and white blood cells, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of ‘pins and needles’ in the hands and feet. In the long term it can cause darkening of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the torso.

* Phthalates - these are used to soften the plastic of soft plastic toys and baby bottles. These chemicals can imitate or block sex hormones, causing disruption of your endocrine system and early puberty in children.