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As if being a parent weren't already laden with worries and considerations: Parental controls on the television and internet don't hold a candle to this report summarizing a massive recall by Mattel toys. They recalled almost 1 million Chinese-made toys because they may contain lead. Eighty-three types of toys are on the list, including popular characters such as Elmo, Big Bird, Dora and Diego.
Tips for parents include: A home lead test and getting your child's blood tested for lead at least once a year.
What's a parent to do? What's a company to do?
On this consumer relations answer center page for Mattel, there are steps to follow to determine if toys in your toybox might include lead and actions to take if any prove suspicious.
So what do you do if your Elmo Tub Sub toy that your child has been splashing around with is suddenly a fear for your little one's safety? Here's what they have to say: Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product)..
Now, maybe I'm a hysteric, but doesn't this all seem a bit too calm and collected? This is about children ingesting lead! And where is the apology? And the extra mile? Where is that?
Here's the warning in red on the site: Lead is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects. Ya think?
Is anyone else amazed and shocked that there is not more outrage and action over this?
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Comments
I am a parent, and happily we don't have any of the toys affected.
To your question about where's the outrage? - I think recalls are happening with alarming frequency, and as with anything else that you hear about often - we become desensitized.
Makes you want to take up woodworking, just so you can whittle out some homemade toys for your kids!
Posted by: Annie | 08.08.07
Thank God we don't have any of the affected toys, either.
I suspect outrage would commence if there were any reported illnesses or deaths from the exposure.
But to Annie's point, it does tend to make me think twice before purchasing anything my child might get her hands on.
Posted by: Cam Beck | 08.08.07
Unfortunately my niece just got a couple of Dora toys two weeks ago that were included in the recall. Good thing I bought her clothes.
Posted by: Rachel | 08.10.07
what about this lead test i see no information .help
Posted by: ronald bushman | 08.13.07
Contact your local county department of public health to find out about lead testing.
Posted by: Ilana | 08.16.07
I think that these things are occurring with alarming freqeuency. We live in a very toxic world, and for the most part, people don't seem to realize it or they just don't care. That is why I have started my family on some natural products to hopefully remove such toxins.
The bottom line is that we do need to be outraged, show it, be proactive, and start making some noise.
Posted by: Lisa | 08.16.07