The federal government estimates more than 300,000 children in the U.S. have lead levels considered too high. Toys imported from China have been the blame and are scaring most parents from buying toys this Christmas. But as we learned today, toys aren t the only thing to worry about this Christmas season. Ashli Kimenker reports. Christmas decorations imported from China also contain alarming levels of lead.
From the artificial Christmas trees to even the decorative lights, all need special attention to keep your little ones and yourself safe. Tis the season to be careful. James Collet M.D., Medical Director Of Work Med: “The most common way you get lead into your system is breathing it in, actually.
But a child chewing on a toy could conceivably get it into their system through their gut.” Toy after toy has been pulled from the shelves for this very reason - making parents ask what s safe and what isn t. Now, a new danger to add to the growing list - Christmas decorations. Artificial Christmas trees and Christmas lights contain lead. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, most artificial trees are imported from China.
But unlike the toys, they are required to have a warning label, and are usually not left alone with children, like toys are. Doctors say keeping children away from the decorations is the best defense against lead poisoning. James Collet M.D., Medical Director Of Work Med: “I doubt that any symptom is going to be obvious to them. The symptoms at low level of exposure are very non-specific.