Leading the way to safer toys

I'm impressed. Two Sacto area residents are getting the jump on Christmas. From their blog:

In light of numerous recalls, we've created a listing of brands, toys and products that are NOT "Made in China." We have included links to various sellers and the country of origin for your convenience. Protect your kids and your family!

I thought of my mom when I saw this. She goes to great lengths to buy her grandkids classic toys they'll love. The absence of lead-based paints on them will be a real plus in her book. (BTW, why are lead-based paints still being produced anywhere?)

As for me, I was pleased to see that Slinkys are still manufactured in the U.S.A. I've just decided to give one to everybody on my Xmas list ...
 

Comments

[Dan]

My understanding from a friend who has written about this is that lead-based paint is still used because it's cheaper than the alternatives; of course, that means cheaper in the short run.

A couple of pieces from the friend talking about this:

"The Little Engine That Could Poison"

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/opinion/22warren.html?_r=1&ei=5070&en=220bd44d8e4eb9ff&ex=1189310400&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin

"Poison Me Elmo"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/12/AR2007081200812.html

[Anthony]

Also beware of:

The Latvian "Pornographic Etch-A-Sketch": no matter what you think you're drawing, it always ends up as a nude study of either Rosie O'Donnell or Rod Stewart.

The Myanamar "Easy Bake Plutonium Oven": tends to overcook both the cupcakes and 9/10s of the neighborhood!

The Former Soviet Sattelite But Now Open To The Highest Bid Bio Lab "My Little Lethal Viral Strain Pony": Oh no, there goes Tokyo...And Beijing, LA, DC, Moscow and Bombay as well.

[Radio Matthew]

China's actually come up with a way to ease our fears about toy imports: They are going to start making toys in both leaded and unleaded versions, until we face a shortage and are forced to create hybrid toys.