Consumers must ensure toys are safe

In the past few years, many toys have been recalled from U.S. stores because they contained toxic chemicals, such as lead, PVC, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

Children are being exposed to these hazardous toxins when they put the toxic toys in their mouths. These chemicals can lead to cancer, developmental problems, and disrupt their hormonal and nervous system. Some manufacturers incorrectly label their products, saying their products are toxic-free and safe when they are not.

Because of the fast-paced dog-eat-dog world we live in, manufacturers do not always make safety a large priority, leading them to cut corners to make a bigger profit.

Although there are laws already enacted to make toys safer, higher standards need to be set by the government. Even with all the recent attention about recalled toys, some people are still unaware about the dangers of toxic toys. Right now there are still toxic toys being sold in stores.

Some toy manufacturers are not solving the problems themselves, leaving the consumers vulnerable to buying tainted products. People need to be more conscious about the seriousness of this problem so they in the future they will know which toys are safe to buy.

Alison Marcotte

Elmhurst