Lead Poisoning In Toddler Toys, A Growing Hazard!

Toddler

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 17:45

Toys are an integral part of every toddler's life. Playing with toys helps the child improve his motor-development skills and intelligence. Giving your toddler toys to play with, is the best way to keep him occupied and happy.

However, are you aware about lead poisoning in toddler toys? Since, children and babies grow at a faster pace they are more prone to the lead poisoning hazards caused by toys.

How does the lead enter the toddler's body?

Most toddlers love to put things in their mouth. Contact with toys that are high in lead content and other toxins can induce significant amounts of the toxin in your baby's body. Some paints contain a huge amount of lead. Children touch such painted surface and put their fingers in their mouth. This also a one of way of lead entering the body.

How does lead poisoning in toddler toys effect?

Lead in toys can cause something as simple as a common cold or even a serious behavioural change in the child. The lead gradually replaces the calcium content in the body. Lead contamination effects the nervous system and hampers brain development. It also causes reproductive problems in later life.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning in toddler toys?

Nausea, metallic taste in mouth, abdominal pain, hyper activeness or low energy levels, weight loss, weak appetite, constipation etc. are few of the many problems that indicate that there is an increase of lead content in your kid's body.

How to treat a toddler if he is affected by lead poisoning in toys?

If the lead content is not too high, you can treat the contamination by altering the diet. Calcium rich foods like such as cheese, yogurt, milk, carrots, beans and celery prevent the body from lead absorption. Fresh vegetables, beef and raisins, which are rich in iron, also help in fighting the lead in body.

If the contamination level is too high, chelators are given. These special drugs are given while monitoring the reduction of lead content in the blood.

How to prevent lead poisoning in toddlers?

Your child may receive old toys that have been handed down the generation. Get these toys checked for toxins such as lead. If you find that your child's toy contains lead, throw it. Do not the burn it, as you may end up inhaling the flames with lead content.

Choose organic toys, teethers or toys that are not painted. Do not buy toys for your child from a vending machine.

Remember prevention is better than cure. So, give your child the best quality toys and do not fall for fancy designs.