Parents thought it was all behind them, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to issue warnings about lead paint in children's toys manufactured in other countries. Since 1978 the U.S. has banned lead in house paint, dishes, cookware and products marketed to children. But lead is still found in toys made and painted in foreign factories. Two years ago parents were horrified to learn that lead had been discovered in toys manufactured and imported from China -- many by trusted U.S. toy manufacturers and major retailers. Panic decimated the U.S. toy industry that year as parents refused to buy toys stamped made in China.
Despite increased manufacturing oversight at foreign plants, lead is still being discovered in some foreign-made toys. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission continues to issue recall notices when lead is discovered. While the situation has improved from 2007, parents should be aware of the lead danger imposed by antique toys and collectibles manufactured before the 1978 U.S. lead ban. When parents pass down toys from their youth or grandparents unearth old family favorites in their attics, they may be unwittingly exposing children to lead.
Lead poisoning targets the central nervous system and can cause irreversible damage to kidneys, nerves and red blood cells. The younger the child, the greater the risk of permanent neurological damage. In severe cases, swelling of the brain, convulsions, coma and death can occur.
Defective products pose an unreasonably dangerous risk to their users. When defects occur, an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can file a products liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. While products liability claims can be complex to litigate, Rosenbaum & Associates personal injury attorneys can help you get the settlement you need. By forcing manufacturers and retailers to take responsibility for their products, successful prosecution of defective product claims keeps our children and families safe.
