Made In China
by: Alex Levine
Chinese exports have been recently recalled due to hazardous components. Reports of lose magnets, lead paint, and toxins in products including plastic dolls, toothpaste, and wooden play sets have forced the Chinese Cabinet to design new committees to inspect and more closely scrutinize the designing and production of these exports.
The US Environmental Protection Agency states that under current regulations, children's products found to have more than .06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall. Lead causes brain damage, nervous system damage, hearing loss, stunted growth, reduced IQ, and delayed development. It can cause kidney damage and affects every organ system of the body. It is also dangerous to adults, and can cause reproductive problems in adult men.
Magnets pose a real danger to children as well. The Radiological Society of Northern America states that according to radiologist Alan Oestreich, MD, of Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio, intentional or accidental ingestion may require emergency surgery. "Unlike foreign bodies that can pass through the body with relatively little trouble, magnets can seriously damage the stomach or
intestine by attracting each other through the lining of different loops of intestine. Ultimately, the magnets could cause a lack of blood flow in the lining and puncture the lining of the intestine." More statements from Dr. Oestreich and other radiologists can be found at www.RNSA.com . Mattel Polly Pocket dolls and Mega Brands' popular Magnetix were recalled in the United States in 2006 because they contain those small magnets. Swallowed magnets have led to the death of at least one child and dozens of serious injuries in others.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine put in place a recall system that covers 675,000 units of over ten various Barbie accessory toys that were manufactured between September 30, 2006, and August 20, 2007. The action also involves 8,900 different toys involving Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys from the company's Fisher-Price brand. The Mattel recall included over ten varieties of Dora the Explorer toys and Elmo toys as well. Those products were sold nationwide from July 2007 through August 2007.
Many are saying that more can be done to inform the community about these recalls and warn parents around the nation of potential child danger. News stations have constant coverage and websites are being set up for easier access. But how will those too busy to even watch the news find out? Dr. Mary Jane Gibson, Signature School's own Director of Student Services, comments, "We need an awareness program. There should be access to this information everywhere: day care centers, school websites and hallways, and word of mouth. We can't be so quick to buy the cheapest toys anymore. We need to be more informed before choosing toys for our community's children."
You can visit www.cpsc.gov and go to the "Recalls and Product Safety News" section to learn more about the products in your home that may pose a threat to your family.