Recalls

Keeping track of recalled products is enough to make a person's head spin. Since Quinn was born, I (Heather) have kept an ongoing list of all the toys and products we have bought or received for her. I log the manufacturer information, product numbers, where and when it was purchased.

Though none of the toys manufactured in China tainted with lead have found their way into our home (at least not yet), we returned a rattle from Target that had been recalled due to small parts that can break off and become choking hazards. We also have some vinyl bibs that we plan to return. Though the brand we have was not recalled as of yet, a smiliar brand was because the vinyl contains lead that apparently only becomes a hazard when the material breaks down.

On the news today I heard them mention that China has agreed to stop using lead paint in toys shipped to the US. You would think that would have been an agreement made when the US companies decided to ship their production overseas.

The news also warned that although the stores are pulling these products from their shelves, there's no way to have this type of accountability for second hand stores like Goodwill and Once Upon a Child. So, the products may still end up in homes.

While shopping at the Apple Valley Goodwill store a few weeks ago, I snapped this lovely photo that was printed on a toy...



If there aren't more stringent rules and regulations about controlling or eliminating harmful chemicals that make their way into our children's bodies through toys, food, water supply, etc., who knows what kind of mutations their kids and several generations beyond will have. 18 mouths....perhaps!?