Recalled Toys and Your Kids - What You Need to Know Before You Panic

I can say this from first-hand knowledge: the media has over-dramatized the influx of recent toy recalls. It's BECAUSE of the media that people are frantically throwing out all that's bad, second-guessing what they buy, and boycotting Chinese manufacturers entirely. But really, is that prudent? No, in fact it is downright harmful to our economy, and threatens our way of life.

First of all, the only way a child will obtain lead poisoning is by sucking on a lead-contaminated item on a near-constant basis for a period of months, up to a couple of years. That is a fact, and you can ask my daughter's pediatrician! Testing for lead poisoning does not even have to be done unless you feel your child has been exposed to lead in that capacity. Furthermore, such testing only shows up excessive levels of lead in the bloodstream if it is taken shortly after a child has ingested the lead, then gradually lowers to where it is not a concern. Symptoms of lead poisoning include diarrhea and vomiting, fatigue, and spaciness, among others, depending on the individual.

Now, back to the toy recalls...it is necessary to point out that there has not been a single case of a child getting sick with lead poisoning throughout these past few months or heard of anything about a sudden rise of lead poisoning in people to warrant a question about what might be causing it. Keep in mind, with all of the recalls, they have been precautionary as a way of saving face in the event something were to happen. Doesn't mean they think it will! It's like selling life insurance to someone who's perfectly healthy--it doesn't mean you think they're going to keel over right then and there, you're just helping them prepare and be aware.