During the toddler years, when kids put everything and anything in their mouth it is hard to believe that their favorite playthings could make them very sick. Unfortunately it has become a noticeable problem. Keeping just a few key things in mind makes it easier to find safe toys for children.
The Issues
Two major issues with hazardous toys are
- Lead paint is toxic if ingested by children. High levels of lead in the blood of children can cause headaches, hearing problems, brain damage and behavioral problems. Current standards deem any amount higher than .06 percent lead accessible to users is subject to a recall.
- PVC plastics are unsafe. According to Oregon Toxics, PVC plastic is the most commonly used plastic in children’s toys. The toxic components in the plastic are not stable, they can leech out and are then found in the bloodstreams of children who have been sucking or chewing on the toys. Laboratory studies have linked these chemicals to cancer and kidney damage. They have also been shown to be hormonally active which could lead to problems with growth and reproductive development in children.
Alternative Toys
Look for toys made out of things found in nature, such as wood, cotton, wool or other natural fibers. Or choose toys made with safe plastics.
Alternative plastics to PVC are:
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
- EPM
- EPDM
- EVA
- Bio-based plastics
Toys that are made in America not only support the local economy, they are held to current American safety standards. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee an American made toy is going to be free from lead paint, as it could have been made prior to today’s safety standards. Strong regulations regarding toy safety are relatively new in the United States and Europe, so it is important to look at each specific company and find out their policies.
On websites, check out the “About Us” section. It will usually have information on where their products are made. If it does not, contact the company before purchasing anything. Many American and European toy companies make toxin free toys that are very safe for kids to play with and chew on.
Companies That are Committed to Making or Selling Safe Toys
Oompa.com is committed to making sure each of its toys is safety tested to be free of toxins and safe for all users, as well as come from safe environments. Oompa is proud to offer toys that don’t use batteries, have no blinking lights and are not cartoon themed but that require the use of a child’s imagination.
Plan Toys practices the Three R’s of green living: reduce, reuse, recycle. All wooden toys are made with organic rubberwood. The wood is strengthened using a chemical free kiln drying process. Plan Toys uses only safe, non-toxic, water based dyes on all of its toys.
HABA makes quality wooden toys that use only non-toxic water based stains that are safe for playing and chewing on. It is a German toy company that has been committed to being “green” long before it was a trendy buzzword.
There are many companies that offer safe toys for children. It is worth taking the time to search them out. Hazardous plastics and toxic paints on wood and other toys can easily be avoided by checking where toys are made and what they are made with.
Green Art Supplies for Kids offers more information on Eco-friendly products for children.
Sources:
Mattel Issues New Massive China Toy Recall. MSNBC
Oregontoxics.org
Turnertoys.com
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