Apr
26
Filed Under Safe Mama Tips
With so many recalls of toys last year, the awareness of paint containing lead has never been higher. And the worry doesn’t stop at just toys. There are lots of places where children can be exposed to lead. Having grown up in a new home myself and now living in a new(er) home with my own family, I never really gave much worry to the thought of lead poisoning. But if you’re living in an older house (one built before 1978), you have more cause for concern. In general, pediatricians don’t generally even test for lead in children, unless you meet certain criteria. I know that our pediatrician hasn’t even asked us whether or not we live in a house that was built before 1978. That’s kind of disturbing.
But you can take certain measures to protect your child:
- Avoid purchasing non-brand or older toys likely to contain lead paint.
- Do not give young children toy costume jewelry, since it has been associated with the highest lead content.
- Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after playing.
- Before moving into an older home or apartment, check for possible lead problems.
- If you have lead pipes, use cold water for preparing formula, drinking or cooking. Run tap water one to two minutes before each use.
- Repair areas where paint is flaking or peeling before putting cribs, playpens, beds or highchairs next to them
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your child safe. You can find more information out from the American Academy of Pediatrics by simply clicking on the drop down button on the left hand side and choosing “lead exposure.”
Source: Tampa Bay Online
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US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Child-Related Product Recalls
- ImagiPLAY Recalls Bead Maze Toys Due to Laceration HazardThe trees on the toys can detach, exposing a metal screw. This poses a laceration hazard to young children.
- Near Strangulation of Child Prompts Recall to Repair Window Blinds by Green Mountain VistaThe black-out roller shades and insulated roman shades have a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a fatal strangulation hazard to children.
- Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEAStrangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck in an exposed inner cord on the backside of the roman blinds.
- Target Recalls Dive Sticks Due to Impalement HazardThe recalled dive sticks could remain in an upright position, posing an impalement hazard to young children. CPSC banned pre-weighted dive sticks in 2001.
- Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by R&D International Due to Strangulation HazardThe jackets have drawstrings through the hood and at the waist. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.
FDA Recalls
- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall on Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce (November 20)
- Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies and Dessert Co Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Muffin Tops (November 14)
- CSI USA, Inc. Issues Voluntary National Recall of Topical Acne Cream (November 13)
Canada Recalls and Advisories
US FDA/CFSAN Food & Cosmetic Announcements
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