Did you hear about this latest recall??
From CNN Money.com:
Millions of toys recalled; contain 'date rape' drug
How messed up is that!? Aqua Dots craft toys have been found to contain the date rape drug, when they get wet. (Catch that - it's dangerous if a toy named Aqua Dots, gets wet). So, if a child puts them in their mouth - or swallows them - they can become seriously ill, in a coma, or die.
All these recalls lately definitely makes me think twice about buying crappy little plastic toys for my kids. There's a whole blogger movement of people pledging to buy handmade items for the holidays - I think this couldn't have come at a better time. I mean seriously? Have you seen the cute stuff online that people MAKE? It blows my mind - I'm so not handy or crafty. Ruby NEEDS this doll! (Uncle Mike? Maybe? Okay, maybe NEEDS is a bit strong, but it's super cute.)
The Parent Bloggers Network has a lot more information on this topic. They cover all the recalls and many news stories. (Did you know, we as a country have ONE PERSON who is in charge of
testing toys? No wonder this is an issue. The Consumer Products Safety Commission is really dropping the ball here.)
For more safety info and info on all kinds of recalled products, visit the Consumers Union (AKA Consumer Reports).
I do have to say, our Thomas the Train recalls were handled very well. The trains in question were replaced quickly - and we got a free train for our trouble. I love free stuff, but come on - I'd rather not have lead or drugs in my toys.
Want to give a HANDMADE GIFT, but you're like me and not crafty? Visit Etsy.com
Friday, November 9, 2007
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In November 2007, Karly had a 'side ache' which turned out to be a tumor the size of a grapefruit. After having the 
5 comments:
Our kids were getting Aqua Dots for Christmas ... the whole lot was returned to Target yesterday! This is ridiculous! I'm all for a global society, but China needs to set some standards and work to ensure some quality ... and we as Americans need to DEMAND nothing less!!! Did I mention we had Thomas trains that had to be recalled too?!?!
Part Thirty-Seven, where Uncle Mike starts a debate with his sister for no reason. (Also published under the name "Working on Friday Evening is Lame").
Dearest Sister,
I take issue with your assertion that handmade toys are somehow safer than commercial toys. I believe you are committing two errors in one stroke: overestimating the safety of handmade toys, based on nothing but supposition, and underestimating the safety of commercial toys, based on erroneous facts and false logic. In fact, as I discuss below, commercial toys are likely safer than handmade toys.
I'll tackle the second issue first. You assert that commercial toys are unsafe, and your support for this assertion seems to be 1) that there are too few people testing toys and 2) there have been a rash of unsafe toys discovered over the last year or so.
The first point is arguably the strongest, buttressed by your statement that there is only one person who is in charge of testing toys. This gives the impression that there is one person, sitting alone in a room like Tom Hanks in Big, single-handedly trying to test every toy that comes across his desk. If this job truly existed, you would know because I would be continually trying to get hired there. In fact, this is an untrue rumor which has been circulating for years. The truth is there are about 60 people in charge of toy testing (fn1). And this was on Lou Dobbs. He may make up facts about illegal immigration and leprosy (fn2) but I believe he’s yet to be accused of lying about toy safety.
The rash of unsafe toys discovered does not show that commercial toys are any less safe. First, commercial toys are the only ones recalled via nation-wide programs, as they are the only ones distributed nationally. Second, commercial toys are the ones focused on by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, because they must make sure that their one tester is testing the toys that will affect the most people. Also, even if more kids are injured by commercial toys, that just makes sense, because kids interact with these toys much more. More people are killed by guns than by nuclear weapons, not because guns are more deadly, but because guns are more common and readily available. And in fact, the fact that these dangerous toys are being discovered and widely publicized shows that the system is in fact working.
As for your second point, that handmade toys are safer, there are two problems with this argument. First, handmade toys are made with materials which may themselves be unsafe. If that cloth or yarn or any other part of these toys is made in China, as no doubt often occurs, then that toy is no more safe than the commercial one. Which leads me to the second point. Unlike commercial toys, these toys are not tested. Even if the products themselves have been tested, they may not have been intended for use in children’s toys. Commercial toys, as described above, are the focus of most if not all of the government testing of children’s toys. Moreover, toy companies themselves have both the financial means, technical know-how, and financial incentive to test toys on their own.
Therefore, despite the recent rash of dangerous toys being discovered, it would be wise to place your trust in toys that are tested and made by professionals (fn3).
Fn1: http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0711/06/ldt.01.html
Fn2: http://www.cjr.org/the_audit/of_lepers_and_lou_dobbs.php?page=all
Fn3: (This comment sponsored by Mattel)
Dear Mike,
I am so glad your law degree is being put to good use. Good investment, eh!
And -- I did not say handmade toys were SAFER, I said they were CUTER!
I still stand by that. They ARE cute.
Also, sadly, here is where I admit my folly. My research may be shoddy, but for the 1st time EVER - I am linked by the PBN. That is bloggin' GOLD.
So, you crazy young single guy, go suck on some Aqua Dots & par-tay like it's 1997.
Thanks for the epic comment - and I want some of that Mattel money!
PBN is alright with me, if only because one of the sites is titled
"Do Not Taunt Happy Fun Ball". So, while I won't be sucking on Aqua Dots and partying like it's 1997, I will be in the back yard playing with Lawn Darts like it's 1987.
Oh you 2 are too funny!!!
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