Toxins in Toys
Over a year ago there was a huge uncovering of the harmful levels of lead in many toys throughout the world. This was mainly to poor practices of toys made in China and other Far East countries. After this information was made public, parents everywhere began switching to “made in USA” or wood toys. Although it was a good move for many, there is still a large culprit lurking beneath the surface; plastic. Almost every toy available on the market is made with cheap plastics that are full of harmful chemicals. Most of the bottles, nipples and other baby products share in this harmful saga.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are over 120 chemicals interested by children on a daily basis. Most of these toxic chemicals are either absorbed through the skin or mouth. Although this issue has been brought to the FDA’s attention many times, it still has not made any advancement in research or increased regulation.
There are currently no current restrictions on the various plastics used in everyday products marketed to children. These plastics that make up your everyday toys contain many harmful chemicals that are categorized as carcinogens, cancer causing chemicals. Many others contain phthalates (an additive to make plastic flexible and durable) which causes reproductive disorders in boys.
Babies and children alike are still developing at a much faster rate than an adult which leads to greater vulnerability and risk. An adult’s body is able to resist and overcome many of the toxic chemicals found in everyday plastic products, but a baby’s body is a blank canvas, open to everything it ingests. A child’s development can also be directly linked to the toxins in toys. Links have been made between colds, ear infections, allergies and behavioral changes and these harmful chemicals.
These toxins lead to greater danger in infants that are more prone to allergic reactions. The term “toxic overload” refers to the condition of the body when it is at its max capacity of fighting off toxins. Many children’s immune systems cannot regulate the various toxic chemicals (60 or more on a daily basis) and so the body goes into toxic shock. The body will shut down to protect itself and your little one would have to receive medical attention immediately.
To avoid these toxic chemicals, buy baby products that are solid wood or are clearly marked as “BPA free.” Purchasing 100% organic products is another way to ensure safety. When a products is 100% organic you can rest assured that it is natural and doesn’t contain any additives that have been manipulated by science.
Many parents blindly trust that just because a product was made for a baby it is safe. This assumption has lead to many issues plaguing our children today. Unfortunately, most of the major brands are more concerned about making money than your child’s safety. In this modern world you have to be an advocate for your children. Take the time to research and learn to ask the right questions before surrounding your baby with plastic products. We live in the century of being more informed than we ever were. It’s time for prevention instead of treatment & science, statistics & ease of sharing information gives us the opportunity to prevent many medical problems in future for our children, some of which are avoiding problems like high blood pressure, undesirable cholesterol ratio, many cancers & other serious diseases. Many of these can be prevented by the right lifestyle & diet choices, and it’s our responsibility to keep our children safe.