Maan D'Asis Pamaran
Christmas is almost here, and it is again time to hit the malls in full force, in order to find the best gifts for our little ones.
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Since last August, the Department of Health (DOH) has been issuing public warnings about popular toys made in China that have been found to contain lead. These products have been recalled, but there are some toys which have already been purchased and are already being played with by a lot of children.
This can lead to dire consequences, says Director Agnette Peralta, of the DOH Bureau of Health Devices and Technology. Lead, which was found in paints used as coating in the toys, is a metal that is toxic at very low exposure levels. The paint in the toy may chip off and be ingested by children, who are more sensitive to the effects of lead than adults. She adds, "The adverse health effects of lead range from subtle deficits such as learning and behavioral problems to mental retardation and, in rare cases, death." Unfortunately, a consumer cannot determine just by looking at the toy if it contains excessive lead or not. Laboratory testing should be conducted to determine the lead content of toys.
The effects of lead depend on how much of it a child swallows. At lower levels of exposure, lead can affect a child’s mental and physical growth. A child who swallows large amounts of lead may develop blood anemia, kidney damage, colic, muscle weakness and brain damage.
The symptoms of lead poisoning, according to pediatrician Dr. Vilma Arkoncel of the Makati Medical Center, include vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain and diarrhea. "It is hard for parents to diagnose it on their own. They really have to bring the child to a doctor. One important sign is fever that does not subside for 3 days."
Better safe than sorry
The DOH has a list of the items that have been recalled by toy manufacturer Mattel. For the full and updated listing, along with photos of the products, check out the Mattel website on www.mattel.com.
If you have purchased a toy that has been recalled, Director Peralta advises the following:
- Put the toy in a plastic bag or box and keep it out of reach of children;
- Check if some parts of the toy are worn out or if paint has been chipped off; your child may have ingested parts of the toy or its paint. Consult a doctor and have your child checked;
- Do not throw the toy in the trash bag;
- Return the toy to the store where it was purchased for proper disposal.
More to look out for
Director Peralta and Dr. Arkoncel say that parents should consider the following when buying or allowing children to use toys:
1. Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions.
2. Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his age under adult supervision.
3. Dispose of plastic packaging properly. Small kids can suffocate on them.
4. Be cautious in buying toys with coatings of paint.
5. Children under 3 years old tend to put everything in their mouths, or even in their ears. In buying their toys, avoid the following:
a. toys intended for older children, which may have small parts that pose a choking hazard;
b. toys that have sharp edges and points;
c. toys constructed with thin plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
6. Parents should check the toys of their children periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged toys should be repaired or disposed of properly.
7. Buy from reputable dealers.
"Avoid buying cheap toys from the bangketa, if you can, as these may not have passed safety standards," says Arkoncel. Director Peralta adds that we should be wary of any toy, not just ones made in China.
"We should be cautious with all the toys sold in the market not only those that were manufactured in China but also those from other countries. The BHDT has collected several samples of toys sold in the market for testing and we are still awaiting the results of these laboratory tests."
She adds that the toys given as part of the promotional activities of fast food chains are also being tested to determine their compliance with toy safety standards.
8. Bust the dust. A lot of stuffed animals are dust and allergen collectors, says Arkoncel. "Anything that has feathers or fur can be a trigger for asthma or dermatitis." If it is not washable, nix it.
9. Say no to cheap batteries. Cheap batteries may leak, says Arkoncel. Get good brands, and always check their condition. If batteries are not in use, remove them. And if a battery has been drained, dispose of it properly.
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