Safe Toys - Natural and Lead Free toys

How to identify Lead Paint

Lead Paint is used in military and industrial settings because it helps speed drying, increase durability and resists moisture which causes corrosion (wikipedia). Recently toys manufactured in China have been found to have used lead paint. Lead is especially damaging to children under age six whose bodies are still developing. Lead causes nervous system damage, hearing loss, stunted growth, reduced IQ, and delayed development. It can cause kidney damage and affects every organ system of the body.

Unfortunately there is no easy way to tell if your child’s toys contain lead. You may purchase a Lead Test Kit but there is no conclusive evidence these self test kits are accurate.

5 tips to keep toys safe at home

1) Avoid older toys as these older toys might not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous.

2) After you’ve purchased a new toy you should make sure kids know how to use them. The best way to do this is by supervising them while they play.

3) Check toys regularly to make sure that they aren’t broken or unusable

4) Throw away broken toys or repair them right away

5) Teach kids to put toys away