How Safe Are the Toys?

Last night, my husband and I were watching a documentary from Channel 4 (UK) about the safety of our toys. It really opened our eyes and as a mom to 2 children, I would also like to caution all parents.

From Channel 4's investigation, it was revealed that about 50% of the available toys were (still are) not safe which could cause choking, strangulation and poisoning. Among the worst toys are those containing magnets. Apparently, there have been hundreds of cases all over the world where small children have swallowed magnets. If a child swallows two or more magnets and that they are in different parts of the gut, they will attract each other through the gut wall, pinning different areas of intestine to each other, and rupturing the bowel. One British surgeon says that injuries are similar to: 'gunshot wounds.' One child in the US actually died of this.

And then there are dodgy and counterfeit toys from China which have never been tested. Not only they may contain various types of dangerous chemicals which are harmful to children (e.g. high content of lead), their physical parts may also pose different kinds of threats (e.g. falling parts, sharp hidden edges etc.).

Now, I know many parents wouldn't want to spend a fortune buying toys and sometimes opt to buy those cheap and dodgy toys (especially those from the $1 shop) , well after watching that documentary, my advise is that if we can't afford buying good toys then don't buy any.

But then, it's not only those dodgy toys which are harmful. It was also revealed that many top-selling toys were also as dangerous. The magnetic toys for example were from Mattel (Barbie toys, Polly Pockets etc.) and from the brand Magnetic. Many famous boys' toys for example also contain a lot of hidden sharp edges (sorry I don't know what brand :). Some science toys like expandable dinosours are also harmful.

Anyway, my thoughts are that if England and the US, whose trading and safety standards are among the highest in the world, are not able to remove these toys from the shelves, then what about us in Brunei? I think the only way to avoid any serious injuries to our children is through knowledgable parents. And that's why I feel the need to write this post today.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha.

Salaam.

Ps. Buy Books instead of Toys!