San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer - Toxic Substances

Toy Companies Settle Case with 38 States

Beth Janicek — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:51:11 GMT

I recently wrote about toxic levels of lead in children’s toys, and it is important to note that the potential dangers to children from too much lead exposure are hearing loss, headaches, delayed growth, and brain and nerve damage if the problem goes undetected and untreated.

In a related issue—this week the Texas Attorney General’s office announced they settled a case dealing with lead in children’s toys. An investigation began in 2007 after the Product Safety Commission recalled about 2 million of Mattel and Fisher-Price toys made in China. The 16-month investigation looked into whether Mattel manufactured toys in China with excessive lead paint. As a result of this investigation a settlement has been reached, and Texas is one of 38 states that will receive settlement money from the big toy companies. The agreement also includes stricter standards on surface coating lead levels, effective for toys made after Nov. 30. In addition Mattel has also agreed to notify the states’ attorney generals if high levels of lead are found in any of its products.

Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott said, “Today’s agreement protects young Texans by helping to ensure that popular children’s toys do not contain excessive, unlawful amounts of lead. Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause serious health problems, particularly among children. The agreement reached today requires two of the nation’s most popular toy manufacturers to strictly comply with federal regulations that limit lead in toys.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Made in the USA

Beth Janicek — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:10:22 GMT

The news may focus on toxic toys from China, but that does not mean they are the only country manufacturing toys containing dangerous chemicals and toxins. In fact one of the highest lead-containing items of children’s products tested was a Halloween pumpkin pin made right here in the United States.

The Ecology Center, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization, and partners across the country recently released their 2^nd annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in toys which can be found at HealthyToys.org. The Center found lead in 20 percent of the toys they tested, and some of those lead levels were higher than the federal recall standard for lead paint, and the levels of lead the toys tested were well above that recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

So what’s the most contaminated toy? Children’s jewelry tops the list as worst because of the high level of toxins. For any parent who has seen their child stick a toy necklace in their mouth, this can be unsettling. We worry about dirt and germs when the little ones like to “taste” their toys, but we also need to find out which toxic toys to avoid.

The Ecology Center’s Jeff Gearhart wrote, “There is simply no place for toxic chemicals in children's toys. Our hope is that by empowering consumers with this information, manufacturers and lawmakers will feel the pressure to start phasing out the most harmful substances immediately, and to change the nation’s laws to protect children from highly toxic chemicals."

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Toxic Toys Still on Shelves

Beth Janicek — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:55:34 GMT

In August a safety law was passed as part of the Consumer Protection Product Safety Improvement Act but does not take effect until February 10^th, therefore, leaving the shelves with dangerous toys. Buyers beware and shop smart.

The “Trouble in Toyland” reported in 2007, more than 80,000 children under the age of 5 ended up in the emergency room due to injuries from toys and 18 died.

A lot of these toys still contain lead, cadmium, mercury or other dangerous chemicals. Two years ago a 4 year old Minneapolis boy died after swallowing a heart-shaped charm made almost entirely of lead.

Since Christmas is such a wonderful time of year and is spent enjoying family, friends, good food and good cheer this is a message to everyone who may purchase toys this Christmas. Please read the following safety warnings prior to purchasing any toys and keep your kids and holidays safe.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek