Homepage / Health

Survey Finds Lead, Arsenic In Toys

Legislators To Discuss Issue At Next Session

POSTED: 5:14 pm EST December 3, 2008
UPDATED: 10:27 am EST December 4, 2008

A new survey has found that one in three popular toys on sale right now have significant amounts of toxic chemicals in them.

At a testing event Tuesday, mom Elizabeth O’Neil said she couldn't believe what her 9-month-old daughter had been playing with last week.

“On Thanksgiving we were at my parents’ house,” she said. “She had them all in her mouth.”

She said she was furious and concerned about the findings.

The survey tested 1,500 popular toys and found 20 percent had lead in them and others had substances like mercury and arsenic.

“The testing is actually simple, straightforward, a 30-second test,” said Chris Corcoran, who tested a tea set, with which children might drink or eat. “Chemicals like mercury, arsenic, lead -- a potpourri of bad chemical things.”

The organization that tested the chemicals found that children’s jewelry tends to be the most contaminated. It said the toxic toys came from a variety of sources, not just china, for example.

The good news, however, is that lead levels overall have decreased since last year, the survey shows, and 20 percent of the toys had no chemicals at all.

Several state legislators at the testing in West Hartford said they would take the issue up at their next session.

For a full list of the toys and a searchable database, click here.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

Sponsored Links

Get Healthy!

10 expert tips to promote a healthier heart. Learn why the “full-fat” version of food is often better than the “low-fat” version. More

Consumer Info



Sponsored Content Provided by ARA