The Safety of Toys for Children

Toys are indispensable friends of children. Unfortunately, some toys, which are made of low quality materials, are dangerous to the health of children. Therefore, great importance has been attached to the safety of toys intended for children. A recent report published in a German magazine has revealed that 24 toys in all thirty investigated ones contain harmful chemicals like phthalates. It has also indicated that Barbie, as a classical and fashionable toy, contains dangerous chemicals. This report has shocked all parents and aroused the attention of people all over the world. 
The safety of toys for children has become a big problem. This very report has found that these 24 unqualified toys include dressing dolls and rubber nipples. Half of the dolls tested do not meet the safety standards and three of them are made by Mattel. They mainly contain phthalates such as DEHP and dibutyl phthalate. German experts argue that such chemicals would influence the balance of hormone in the human body and do harms to organs such as liver and kidney. They would even lead to cancer. The standards are not identical throughout the world. But most experts agree that excessive phthalates are dangerous. In recent year, the European Union has limited the use of phthalates. DEHP, dibutyl phthalate and dibutyl benzyl phthalate are now not allowed to be used in toys and other products for children. 
Doctors suggest that parents should keep an eye on the safety of toys for children. Doctors say that if Barbie contains harmful chemicals, it may probably lead to benzene poisoning. Though such poisoning has not been found in clinics, the danger can not be neglected. Besides, allergy and mechanical damages caused by toys occur from time to time. It is reported that stuffed toys or plush toys possibly would bring bacteria and hidden health troubles. When parents are choosing these kinds of toys, they should go to high standard stores and select fine made ones. In addition, even qualified toys should be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, dust and bacteria would hide in the fine hair and threaten the health of children. 
Doctors also tell us that of all toys, spray-paint ones are the most dangerous. The chemical, lead, in these toys is considered to be one of the poisons of the nerve system. It not only affects the thinking ability and reading ability of children, but also distracts their attention. Colorful toys bricks, painted balloons and books, and plastic toys belong to this type. When children are playing with these toys, parents should make sure that children are not kissing or tasting these toys. Metal toys could bring great harms to children as well. Metals such as arsenic and cadmium would combine with enzymes and lead to gastric ulcer, anemia and even cardiovascular diseases.  
In a word, the safety of toys is closely related to the health of children. Parents should have the awareness and choose toys free from harmful chemical like dibutyl phthalate and dibutyl benzyl phthalate.