The Dangers of Lead In Promotional Children’s Toys

toys Are you fond of giving away toys as gifts for kids? It sounds like a great idea and they are the kind of presents that children would love to receive, but you may have to pause for a moment first and give that some thought again. Are you sure that you’re giving safe and lead-free toys? In your recent trade show that featured promotional toys and coloring products, are you sure that those items are completely harmless for kids?

In case you’re not aware of it, the battle for the prevention of the adverse effects of lead to humans has been going on for years now. Back in 2009 there had been a strict implementation in the US prohibiting the distribution and selling of toys and other products that contain lead. Everyone was compelled to comply with the rule. Different businesses which manufacture or supply household and industrial products were asked to recall their merchandise in order to prevent items, which may carry large amounts of lead, from being bought and used by consumers. They were also instructed to test their products for lead content from the moment the rule was implemented and hereupon. Imprinted toys and coloring products, which can possibly contain lead, are some of the items that had to undergo a rigorous testing process.

Why the fuss about all this? It partly has something to do with the fact that lead exposure can be attained easily. A lot of people don’t know this but even if you don’t handle promotional toys and coloring products directly, there is still a chance of being exposed to lead. The most common example of this is leaded gasoline that is used by most motorists for their vehicles. Once this lead-containing gas is burned, lead particles would be dispersed in the air, and eventually be inhaled by passersby. Imagine you and your kids enjoying a stroll in the park when suddenly a car or truck zooms by, puffing a cloud of black and harmful smoke. Poof! That’s instant dose of lead in the body for you!

So what adverse effects does lead have in our health, especially on children? Kids who are exposed to high amounts of lead can suffer cognitive abnormalities which can greatly impair their learning abilities. They may experience some hearing difficulties and even attention span deficits. Peculiar behavior may also be observed, like sudden loss of appetite resulting to weight loss and other digestive problems. In some cases, manifestation of an unusually irritable behavior can also be possible.

Do you still think customized toys and coloring products are great to give as trade show items? well, don’t panic just yet! There is a way for you to combat this. As an advertiser, you must take it upon yourself to check whether the promotional products you are giving out is safe for the health or not:
1. Make sure to have your promotional items checked for lead content.
2. Use testing methods like XRF or X-Ray Flourescence testing which is known to be really safe.
3. Avail of the color change tests which are really easy to do. See to it that they comply with the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC.

As for the consumers, you must also be vigilant in accepting or using promotional toys and coloring products, which may or may not contain lead. While it may not be practical for you to have each item tested by professionals, you just need to be more careful in handling or utilizing them. Teach your children not to place toys or even coloring products, like crayons, inside their mouth. Always keep small items out of reach of babies and toddlers. Before you buy toys, make sure to ask store owners or suppliers for some information about their product. Right now, many wholesalers and retailers include informative details in their products’ labels. Make sure to read this thoroughly.

The battle to eliminate, or even just to lessen, the detrimental health effects of lead continues. Everyone must do their part in making sure that this effort comes to fruition. Have you taken active measures to address this issue?

Sources:

Testing for Lead in Consumer Items for Children
Effects of Exposure to Lead

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