Keeping Your Child Safe from Lead Laden Toys

Over the last three months we’ve had recall after recall on toys containing lead based paint. The current recall count is now three million toys, with major announcements occurring weekly conce
ing toy manufacturers wanting to test more of their products. Since these huge announcements many parents have asked me if they should be conce
ed; the answer is YES!

Lead is a neurotoxin, meaning it poisons the neurons in our body. It has been shown to decrease IQ by disrupting normal brain development and chronic exposure has been associated with numerous learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. With this deadly toxin now among our children, how can you keep them safe?

Of course the first thing to do is avoid exposure. The most common source is still lead based paint from homes built prior to 1978, but the major toy recall has put a challenge to that. Make sure to check the governments recall site www.recalls.gov. Here you can determine if your child’s toys have been recalled due to lead based paint. Even if your child’s toys are not on this website, do not think they are safe. Disney, Toys ‘R’ Us and others have announced they are now testing toys as far back as five years to determine their safety. It has been estimated that 80% of the toys made within the last 3 years from China are contaminated with lead. Be vigilant!

Go to your local pediatrician and ask for a lead screen if your child has played with a recalled toy. Many physicians are hesitant to do this, thinking that if your child does not show symptoms everything is ok. Do not buy this. I have seen years of low dose lead exposure build up in children leading to symptoms later on in life. Also the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that children in HMO’s receive a lead screen at 1 and 2 years of age. We take it a step further by giving all children this screening in our office.

If your child does come up high with lead, follow your pediatrician’s advice. Also make sure to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli. Beets and plenty of fiber foods are also beneficial since they help detoxify the body from lead. High dose vitami
C also pushes lead out of the body. Typical dosages range from 2-5 grams daily, but contact your physician for guidance.

Finally, do not be afraid to question your physician. Many do not understand and have not been trained adequately to deal with chronic lead exposure. Please if you feel your child might be exposed to lead, get them into your physician for a screening. The devastating effects of lead are too serious to be taken lightly.