Testing for tainted toys Save Email Print
Posted: 5:29 PM Aug 15, 2007
Last Updated: 6:06 PM Aug 15, 2007
Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@wndu.com

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Toys. Lots of them. That is what fills Jenn Samuel's basement, understandably, because she has four kids.

Jenn says knowing some of the toys may be dangerous is nothing to play around about.

"It seems like today you can't trust anything," Jenn explains. "You buy toys that you think your kids are going to love and then you find out there could possibly be something wrong with them."

One way to test them is to take the toys to the St. Joseph County Health Department. There is even a lead department.

"Lead causes brain damage. It could lead to lower IQ, decrease intelligence, ADHD problems, other health problems, dizziness, fatigue," explains Rebekah Waechter, the lead program coordinator.

Waechter shows us tools and equipment they have to test for lead on products, some more effective than others.

But Waechter says the most effective way to test your child is through a blood test. That is available through the lead program. The hotline is (574) 235-9582.

Meanwhile, stores are taking the recalled items off the shelves, and those at the lead program encourage you to do the same in your own homes.

For a complete list of recalled toys you can visit a special website Mattel set up listed below or call the Mattel hotline toll free at (888)597-6597 for a free replacement toy.


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Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2007 at 07:54 AM
I agree with you Edward. But the only problem is almost everything is made in China. What the United States needs is too start having the Americans make things here in the good ol USA.

Posted by: ken Location: sturgis mi on Aug 16, 2007 at 07:18 AM
I agree that we should stop buying items or products made in china. the trouble with that is that US companies have been less than honest in labeling products. "printed in USA" ," packaged in USA", "assembled in USA", etc. on packages clearly indicate that American companies are well aware of the problem. They are deliberatly trying to mislead consumers by skirting the the problem. They will not disclose the country of origin because people may not buy the product. "it's not my fault, the problem is the chineese." We told them not to do it, but they did anyway. GET REAL CORPORATE AMERICA, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. If you can't or won't inspect each and every product, then don't buy it. You know what is going on and you turn a blind eye to it. your pockets are more important to you than the safety of your customers. It's called depraved indifference. Prison time should be involved. THIS IS NOT A WHITE COLLAR CRIME. Maybe some time slow dancing with BUBBA would get your attenti.

Posted by: Edward Location: Mi on Aug 15, 2007 at 08:22 PM
Let's just not buy anything made in China EVER again.Is it that hard to read lables before we purchase ? We should take extra precautions and don't rely on anyonelse to do so . Don't buy the stuff ! Boycott China. I'm gonna from long before and here on after. That's my contibution.

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