Au Jardin d'Hathor: Lead - Toys contamination

Since 2006, many toys have been reminders massive large companies because of lead contamination. Lead poisoning, what is it exactly? What are the dangers and symptoms of this contamination? And the risks?

What does the government? How to protect yourself? What to do in case of doubt? So many questions and doubts. Normal, it is our children after all ! Can we simply rely on the regulators? At the goodwill of manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers? Lead is a metal that is part and parcel of our daily lives. Used in the manufacture of paint up in the'50s in gasoline until the 80s, in the drinking water pipes into the 90s, in the shots and fisheries e, les soldats de plomb etc. E, tin soldiers. Even today it is used to plate sealing edges of balconies or windows, we found traces in some metals and enamels for certain household items. It is therefore also in the air as a result of industrial emissions and in our food due to the fallout of air pollution that contaminates our soil.

In short, lead is everywhere.

What are the real dangers?

Lead poisoning is caused by ingestion or inhalation of lead. Among human beings, in a poisoning, nearly 95% of lead absorbed replaces calcium in the bones, where it can be released into the bloodstream, years or even decades later.

A brief exposure to high doses could cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, irritability, insomnia and headaches in children as in adults. The poisoning causes reversible disorders (anemia, digestive disorders) or irreversible (impairment of the nervous system).

Children under six years: More at risk.

Young children are more spontaneous their hands and objects in their mouths.
Nearly 50% of lead ingested passes in the blood of a toddler while the rate is 10% in adults.
Lead pass the placenta barrier, poisoning can begin in Intrauterine life and continue during lactation.
The nervous system of an infant or young child is under development, the absorption of even a tiny amount can have adverse effects on the intellectual development and behavioral.
A poisoning in infancy can lead to the acquisition of some higher brain functions: delays intellectuals, learning difficulties, problems with psychomotor agitation, irritability and sleep disturbances, slowdowns in growth, anemia and severe neurological forms .
An intoxication level embryonic or fetal in young children can have irreversible paralysis, kidney failure, hypertension, male infertility, hearing loss, hyper serum (excessive urinary uric acid, cancer (for certain forms chemical lead), death by encephalitis.

According to Dominic Chalut, toxicologist at the Hospital of Montreal for children. « C'est sûr que le plomb dans l'environnement n'est pas une bonne chose, mais si "It is certain that lead in the environment is not a good thing, but if the child has only to touch a toy, possibly contaminated with lead during a short time does not run from danger .... If ever a child suckles a toy or object contaminated with lead on a recurring over an extended period, the risk of poisoning is much higher. It is through ingestion or inhalation as lead for damage. »

In other words, the fact of holding a pencil lead contamination poses no risk but can cause adverse health effects of a young child who would in his mouth.

What does the government?

Health Canada conducts research and evaluations collaborating in the management of risks to health and safety associated with consumer products. The government develops standards, guidelines regarding security, because of investigations, inspections, seizures, product withdrawals, prosecution. The Department conducts analysis and research on consumer products, providing technical information to manufacturers, importers and distributors as to the dangers of certain products. Also publishes opinions, warnings, product withdrawals and make the promotion of occupational safety and the responsible use of products. Health Canada also works in partnership with the different levels of government, agencies and programs in the industry as well as with agencies at the national, regional and international levels.

However, it goes without saying that the ministry does not check everything and that the different levels of government, and others must also rely on the goodwill of manufacturers and importers! ?

So what? How can you protect yourself?

A very good way to protect itself remains a priori to choose toys made in Quebec and Canada. The standards can range from one country to another, it's a way to ensure that the manufacturer knows Canadian standards and are more likely to respect them. Also, perhaps to avoid purchasing toys for poor quality and dubious provenance (toy store to a dollar ... Beware!) Trusting the major brands! ? It is important to clarify that the various calls back, have been committed by the companies themselves and not by government bodies. The large toy companies that rely on foreign countries to manufacture their products perform verification tests to ensure that the toys received comply with the standards of securities issued by Health Canada. These companies are trying to protect themself from possible prosecution but do small importers can do the same?

In case of doubt, it is also possible to purchase a kit for detecting lead from some companies such Abotex http://72.14.203.104/translate_c?hl=fr&langpair=fr%7Cen&u=http://www.leadinspector.com/ Enterprises Limited. These kits contain a chemical solution that changes color in contact with the lead. But they do not evaluate lead content accurately. Subscribe to the electronic newsletter of the new consumer product safety in order to be informed, among other things, various reminders of toys. Industry Canada. Of course, getting rid of toys have made subject to recall.

Tips for parents

Remember that one of the five cases of lead poisoning identified in the past five years at the Hospital of Montreal for children, none was linked to the use of a toy. The sources of lead contamination are numerous and the most frequent remain the old paint, old water pipes, pottery and plates from countries or standards are different. Also be aware of jewelry for children.

Health Canada advises parents to always respect the age indicated on the label for a toy, cautions, safety messages and other instructions for toys. Seeking toys and good solid manufacturing. If you suspect that a child sucked or chewed pencil or toy with the coating contains lead or that you suspect lead poisoning, please contact your family doctor who may request a blood test. Canada. For more information on the risks and symptoms of lead poisoning, see Your Health - The effects of lead on human health site of Health Canada. In case you soupçonneriez for example, an old mural or your water contain lead, you can also get a directory of certified laboratories for analysis, please contact the Standards Council of Canada and the Canadian Association of environmental testing laboratories.

Remain vigilant and informed.

Au Jardin d'Hathor

Qui êtes-vous ?

23 octobre 2007

Lead - Toys contamination

0 commentaires:

Articles précédents

Fish

Pas trouviez ce vous cherchiez...ou désireux d'en savoir plus!?

Les éditions Écosociété

Equiterre

Liens connextes

Analyse