"There's nothing worse than having to tell a parent that a potentially avoidable injury occurred to their child. It's catastrophic. The guilt is insurmountable." Offered Dr. Courtney Mann, a toy safety advocate.
The NCPIRG says children exposed to lead can suffer lowered IQ, delayed mental and physical development and even death. This year, researchers say they went to just a few stores and found children’s toys or jewelry containing high levels of lead or lead paint.
The group says instead of going for the colorful packaging, simple toys for kids are often a better alternative.
Do they really need fancy painted, potentially lead toxic toys? Are they just as happy with some wooden blocks or maybe some constructive play? I think sometimes we tend to overdo, just because we have access to these toys now," Mann offered.
In addition to lead, there is also the choking hazard from small toys.
"If a toy fits through this [toilet paper] tube, it is too small for children under the age of three," explained Ashley Chase with NCPIRG.
For more information, and to read the NCPIRG report, go to this link (.pdf)
