Hazardous Lead In Children's Jewelry
Posted by
Corinne TozierApril 20, 2007 2:49 PMChildren's jewelry contains lead? Yes, some jewelry does contain lead. This should be a huge concern for parents, grandparents and families in general. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been urged to ban the lead from children's metal jewelry.
With an overwhelming number of toy recalls recently, the CPSC should be focused on keeping dangerous toys off the market, not weakening standards that force toy companies to act responsibly,'' said Jon Haber, AAJ chief executive officer.
Lead is a hazardous substance that can cause irreversible brain damage in children. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 400,000 children between the ages of one and five have dangerously elevated levels of lead in their blood, many encountering physical problems as the result of playing with toys. The CDC also reports that in 2003, a four-year-old Oregon boy died after swallowing a toy necklace and in February 2006 a four year old Minnesota boy died after ingesting a metallic charm. In both cases the boys died many days after ingesting the objects.
There have been some voluntary recalls in the past, such as a necklace with a butterfly-shaped pendant and other children's toy containing lead. However, a voluntary ban does not protect the children who, in the future, receive jewelry or toys that contain lead. Why not make it a mandatory ban before another child becomes injured or dies from lead ingestion.
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