Toys that contain lead are extremely dangerous to your children's health. When children are exposed to lead toys it can have serious effects on their body. Some of the parts of the body that are affected include their brain, kidneys and bone marrow.
Lead and a Child's Brain
When a child is exposed to toys that contain lead, it can have a major impact on the function of his brain. Not only can it cause developmental delays, motor function problems and cognitive issues, it can also interfere with the blood-brain barrier, or the barrier separating the brain tissue from the circulating blood.
Developmental, motor function and cognitive problems can affect how your child progresses through the normal stages of growth, including memory, behavior and learning abilities. Becoming aware of these risks can save your child from severe brain disfunctions.
Lead and a Child's Kidneys
Another part of a child's body that is effected by lead poisoning are is the kidneys. A research study completed by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with levels of just 2.9 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood had worse kidney function than those with lower levels of lead found in their blood. With each doubling of lead levels, the filtration capacity of the kidneys dropped. Speaking to your doctor about the potential risks of exposure to lead can help to prevent its effect on your child's kidneys.
Lead and a Child's Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is the tissue and fatty matter that fills the cavities of your bones. Lead poisoning can directly affect the productivity of this marrow in your child's body. When the bone marrow is affected, it can also lead to problems with the spine and other bone marrow disorders and diseases such as leukemia.
To prevent these adverse effects, pay attention to recalls on toys that contain lead and do not allow your children to put toys in their mouths. One type of toy that is often recalled for containing lead is toy metal jewelry. In fact, in October of 2007 about 2,900 units of Pecoware jewlery were recalled due to high levels of lead. This recall included toy necklaces with rhinestones on pendants in the shape of a cat, a heart and lock, and a lock and key, according to the U.S. Recall News website.
Other Side Effects
Several other extremely serious side effects are directly linked to lead exposure in children. Because the exposure affects the brain, kidneys and bone marrow, you may find side effects such as behavior problems, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, urinary tract infections and anemia. There is a simple test that your doctor can perform to test whether your child has been exposed to lead.
Convenient Tests for Lead Poisoning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends that states test children for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2. A simple blood test is performed by pricking the child's finger. The lead levels are read in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. According to the medical staff at Johns Hopkins Children's Center levels of lead as low as 2.9 mcg/dl can affect a child.
While the majority of toys that contain lead are off the market, you should still be aware of the risks that exposure to these toys has on your child. Preventing this exposure will help your child to stay safe from any adverse side effects and health problems.
