For many years, I have represented young children who have been victimized by the devastating effects of lead paint poisoning. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause brain injury, especially in young children whose brains are not fully developed until seven years of age. The civilized world has know about the hazards of lead for centuries, so it shocks me every time I read that our country continues to import cheap, Chinese-made toys and children’s jewelry which contain high levels of lead. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today the recall of about 4 million Groovy Grabber children’s bracelets (decorated with smiley faces, Chinese symbols, dogs, cats, aliens, checker boards, and flames), and about 400,000 key chains (decorated with flip flops, letters, and dangling charms) which were imported from China by Dollar General Merchandising, Inc. and sold at Dollar General stores. Similar recalls of Chinese-made toys are announced all the time. Everyone knows that young children put plastic jewelry in their mouths. Parents should assume that toys made in China contain lead and can cause brain injury. The safe bet is to buy toys made in the USA.
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