Dangerous Toys: Rigid Testing Routines Required to Assure Our Children's Safety

摘要

Toys conjure up the images of happy little children playing safely with their dolls and model cars but lately, those images have become tarnished by some well publicized recalls of toys made in China. With Chinese made toys accounting for well over 80percent of the American market, and dolls even higher, it is understandable that there is general loss of confidence in the toy industry. The European Union (EU) has a directive RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) that places strict limits on the amount of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury that are allowed in consumer goods. Since it applies to all products entering Europe, it should affect all countries that export toys. In theory, this should protect consumers throughout the world but manufacturers do cut corners and it is impossible for the individual countries to verify that every batch of every toy that enters that market is in compliance. Therefore, it is in the best interests of everyone, including the manufacturers, to prove through a vigorous internal quality control program, that their products are safe.