A lot of kids end up in the hospital because of unsafe toys. Some of these are toys are designed with paint that contains lead. Lead exposure can affect physical and mental development, and may lead to serious health conditions such as kidney and nervous system damage, and even death. Some are made of other unsafe materials such as PVC and toxic substances such as those found in some glues. The next time you buy toys for your baby, choose toys that are environmentally safe and baby-friendly.

Natural Toys

Dr. Alan Greene, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, suggests buying natural toys for your baby. These include toys that are made from solid wood that is not finished or has a non-toxic finish. Other materials that make safe baby toys include wool, hemp, cotton, particularly organic cotton, and bamboo. Dr. Greene though, warns that not all wooden toys are safe. Some toys such as those made from particle board are pressed wood maybe unsafe for kids because some of these toys contain toxic substances in the glue. Look for toys with an FSC certification, to ensure that the wood used to make the toy was forested responsibly to allow for sustainable growth.

PVC, Bisphenol-A and Phthalates

Dr. Green also notes that some toxic substances are contain in some plastic toys. Some of these plastic toys may contain polyvinyl chloride or PVC which produces dioxin and releases toxins into the environment throughout its lifecycle. PVC toys may also contain phthalates, chemical compounds that make PVC plastic more flexible. Phthalates are known to cause cancer and hormonal disruption. Another dangerous substance that maybe contained in plastic toys is bisphenol-A which may also be toxic to children.

Non-Battery Operated Toys

According to statistics, the United States alone produces over 150,000 tons of battery waste each year. Batteries are difficult to dispose off and they usually end up in landfills. A battery may also be toxic to a child if he/she accidentally chews on it.