This Christmas most children will be unwrapping new toys, but according to an Associated Press article, about 35% of all toys contain excessive amounts of lead. We know about the Barbie dolls because they were re-called, but think of all the toys on shelves right now that are not being re-called. Mattel like so many other companies has its products made in China, where standards for making safe toys are apparently dangerously low. Any loving parent would pay more to buy lead free toys for their children’s safety, but how are we suppose to know which toys are safe? Health Canada does not regulate the safety of toys, instead it is up to corporations and importers to monitor products for safety, but the government should be responsible so that there are high standards for our children’s safety, and to make sure that these standards are consistently met. The effects of lead poisoning in children are numerous. Children may experience damage to the nervous system and brain development, Encephalopathy, and Cerebral Palsy. Lead Poisoning can affect growth and development, impairing growth, and causes weight loss. Furthermore, it can affect behaviour, causing aggression, attention problems, irritability, and lethargy. Lead Poisoning can also impair hearing and sight, and damage motor skills. It also can have negative effects to the digestive system, and affects blood and circulation, and can cause Renal Disease. Worst of all lead poising in children can cause death! This Christmas lets ask our Federal Government to help keep our children safe and to regulate lead in children’s toys.

-Jason Setnyk