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Toy
Safety Article: The information you need to make safe toy choices and
valuable tips on what you as parents and caregivers
can do to protect
your children from unsafe toys!
The Dangers of Cadmium
By Karen Whitehurst
Two common reasons for children's toy recalls lately have been lead and magnets. Sadly, many toys that originally had lead-tainted paint now contain another dangerous element called cadmium. Cadmium is actually more dangerous than lead, and it has been linked to brain damage in young children. After recent tests, the U.S. government found high levels of cadmium in jewelry, such as bracelets and pendants. It is important to recognize the signs of cadmium poisoning so that you can hopefully prevent health issues for those you love. Cadmium is a soft, whitish element that occurs naturally in the earth. It is cheap and easy to work with, which is what has made it a tempting material for low-cost toys. When the U.S. government tested children's jewelry for cadmium, some contained a shockingly high amount-91%. This is a frightening fact considering that cadmium is a known human carcinogen that can hurt you whether it is inhaled or ingested, or even just absorbed through regular handling.
Because cadmium is such a powerful toxin, only a slight amount can result in serious health problems. Even a dose as low as 10 milligrams can cause a person to show symptoms of cadmium poisoning. After exposure to cadmium through ingestion, someone may develop the following signs:
- Increased salivation
- Abdominal pain and vomiting
- Anal spasms
- Choking
- Anemia, or decreased iron in the blood
Additionally, you can receive cadmium poisoning through inhalation. Symptoms of this include:
- Cough
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Muscle weakness
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
Typically, the best way to treat cadmium poisoning is to remove the contaminated object and treat the individual symptoms. For instance, your child may have to take medications to relax the airways so that wheezing is decreased.
Sadly, if the exposure is prolonged, it can result in serious and permanent health complications, such as damage to your liver and kidneys. Additionally, it can cause brain damage if the child absorbs the chemical at a young age. To protect your child from this, you should avoid cheaply made jewelry and metal items that your child may put in and around his or her mouth. Your child's toys should be fun and safe, not toxic and potentially life-threatening. However, some manufacturers would rather cut costs than keep your kids safe. If your child has been injured by a defective or toxic toy, you may be eligible for financial compensation to help with medical bills and suffering. To learn more about your legal options regarding product liability law, you should visit the website of the personal injury and product liability lawyers from Spiros & Wall, P.C., today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Whitehurst
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