Lead is Just the Tip of the Toy Iceberg
If parents thought that lead in their children’s toys was their only cause for concern, they were wrong.
Recent recalls of toys made in China contaminated with lead has raised awareness of the consequences of the lack of stringent Chinese regulations. Even more disturbing than lenient quality control in China is that US regulations do not protect children from toxic products, including those made in the US.
Every day, children are exposed to a host of toxic chemicals in car seats, bedding, sleepwear, canned food, bibs, and baby bottles. A growing body of scientific evidence links exposure to the chemicals in these products to learning disabilities, reproductive problems, asthma and cancers.
Today, advocates and legislators gathered at the State House to combat the corporate and government neglect of public health by supporting the Safer Alternatives Bill. This bill, which is pending before the Joint Committee on Environment Natural Resources and Agriculture, would replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever available. Many of the chemicals found in children’s toys would be considered priorities under the bill.
